Thread: TNT

I've read every post on this and details in the library and now I'm confused!!
I can't use the TPT as my pads are to hard.
I've tried the TNT and thought that I'd got it right, but now I'm not sure. If I put the blade edge on my thumbnail and try and draw it across the nail on a blunt edge it just glides straight over. When I believe the bevel has been set if I then try and draw the blade across the nail it bites and grips the nail. I thought this meant the bevel had been set but now I'm not sure. I think maybe I should be honing some more at this stage.
I've tried everything else and I think this will work for me. Now if I shave with a razor that I've tested like this after moving through 3000, 5000, 8000, 12000, CROX, and strop the shave leaves me with stubble. So some help would be appreciated. I would also mention that after testing on the 1000 I do another 6 laps and then don't test again.
Also I now have no arm hair to test on but when I did if I put the blade against the skin after the 1000 as you would do if you were shaving your face it cuts hair but not if you brush the blade through the hair but above the skin.
Thanks

When the TNT provides consistent resistance for the length of the blade, no rough spots or skips, I consider it done but I also check it with a 30x eye loupe for consistency from the honing flat to the very edge. If it looks good I do 10 more x strokes on the 1k and move up. Works for me using that criteria.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

When the TNT provides consistent resistance for the length of the blade, no rough spots or skips, I consider it done but I also check it with a 30x eye loupe for consistency from the honing flat to the very edge. If it looks good I do 10 more x strokes on the 1k and move up. Works for me using that criteria.

Thanks for this exactly the help I was after. I don't think I'm that far away then. I've got a 10x eye loupe so I'll get myself a 30x one. The only thing I've noticed when looking for one is that the review comments seem to suggest that most of the 30x are being miss described and are in fact a lower magnification.
Should the bevel be the same width right across the blade? The reason for asking is that on some of the razors I've honed the bevel varies in width but the TNT would suggest it's there right across the blade.

Originally Posted by Anthony1954

Thanks for this exactly the help I was after. I don't think I'm that far away then. I've got a 10x eye loupe so I'll get myself a 30x one. The only thing I've noticed when looking for one is that the review comments seem to suggest that most of the 30x are being miss described and are in fact a lower magnification.
Should the bevel be the same width right across the blade? The reason for asking is that on some of the razors I've honed the bevel varies in width but the TNT would suggest it's there right across the blade.

Many times there will be anomalies in the spine/bevel relationship that are created in the tempering, grinding and finishing of the razor. Once in awhile you get one where everything is perfect but not often IME. Bevels may be asymmetrical from one side to the other, or from one end to the other on either side. IMO, unless it is so drastic as to prevent getting a shaving edge, it is only cosmetic.

I got my 30x from an internet site called Widget supply. At the time that model was $30.00 while they had others half the price and less. It seems to me to be a good optic and is a large diameter so it lets in plenty of light. I have a B&L 20x that is like 3/8" and it is probably better quality but hard to see. I don't really know how to judge the quality unless you have it in hand.

+1 on the loupe - once you learn what to look for - even striations from one side of the bevel to the edge and all along the edge - it's very helpful. You can pick up an illuminated 30x loupe on Amazon for $4.

-john

I think I'm starting to fully understand the TNT. when I'm using the 1000 Naniwa to set the bevel I'm stopping when the blade starts to grip as it's drawn across the back of my thumb nail. Now if I then go to a blade that's been honed by an expert, when I try the TNT the blade slides smoothly across the thumb nail just grabbing slightly. (Yes I know this will dull a fully honed blade but I needed a comparison).
So I'm guessing that what I've been thinking as the bevel being set on the 1000 is only just starting to get there and the blade still needs more work to fully set the bevel and produce that smooth slightly grippy feeling on the back of my thumb nail.
I've tried shaving with a blade I thought was honed correctly by myself and although it shaved it wasn't that smooth or efficient in cutting the beard.
I also think that I'm starting to understand the use of a loupe if used correctly I should see scratch lines made by the 1000 and start to recognize their pattern as opposed to marks already along the edge of the blade. Once these scratch lines made by the 1000 are fully to the blade edge the bevel is then set.
This honing lark can become addictive when trying to get the perfect edge to shave with!!
Comments would be appreciated

I thought a razor with a good bevel would stick and NOT move when pulled across a wet thumbnail. Tested at various spots along the length of the edge. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

You really need to learn the TPT, actually calibrate it to your skin. Feel every sharp edge you can, knife, straight, razor blades, anything sharp. It takes some time but is well worth the investment, nondestructive and will test the WHOLE edge.

It sounds like your bevel is not completely set, use a sharpie to ensure you are honing all the way to the edge and look at the edge with magnification as demonstrated here