Thread: Thumb test...

(( I debated Putting this here or in General, but its ending up here ))

Ok, so this thumb test. I've heard it mentioned several times, I even read a few articles about it from classicshaving.com maybe? In any event, im not sure I understand it all to well. What I've gathered so far:

1. Should only be used before using a polishing hone ie... 8k norton
Using this test after a polishing hone will destroy the shaving edge?

2. Im suppose to drawl the blade across my thumb nail? (Sort of makes my skin
crawl)

3. A dull blade with just slide across my nail with no sensation, where as a keen
blade will ?Bite?

I tried using my norton stones for about 30min the other day and I attempted to use this test to see what I could judge from it, but I couldn't really tell a difference. There probably was, and im just not familiar enough to notice it. In any event, I would really appreaciate any feed back you guys could give me on this.

The thumb test is actually touching the blade with your thumb. A sticky sensation tells you it's getting sharp.

Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

The thumb test is actually touching the blade with your thumb. A sticky sensation tells you it's getting sharp.

Touching the ball of my thumb to the edge? (Skin crawling more) Basically letting the blade cut a couple layers of skin?

Doing lots of testing like when honing 5-10 blades will rough up the top layer of your skin a bit but it's nothing serious and goes away in a day or two. You won't even notice testing one blade.

Thanks Fire... I think my thumb will be ok... I play an old accoustic guitar a lot and it roughs up my fingers pretty good... So I'll get over it, it still feels creepy though lol...


btw... did you chance your avatar?

Np. I actually tried learning to play the guitar until one night when I got back from the club a bit tipsy, stepped on it and well... That was the end of my learning process lol. The callouses I get from honing my weekly rotation won't come even close to the ones you get from playing the guitar. As for creepy.. Naaa, that's the feeling of success