Thread: Bevel test on 1k

Originally Posted by Neckbone

What tests must your razor pass before leaving the 1k stone?

There are multiple tests the "Trick" is finding the "One " test that is infallible for you, not what works for anyone else


TPT
TNT
AHT
Magnification / Sight test

All these work, but you have to learn which is your perfect test, use them all until you figure it out..
The bevel set is the most essential part of honing, period, it is about 90% of the job, so take nothing for granted, make sure it is set or you are just fooling yourself...

Honestly I learned at the Meets and watching people pass a razor around the table while trying the various tests that there simply are too many variables between people to claim any one test works..

Glen,

Thanks. Definitely, solid advice. For instance, I had never thought about doing AHT or HHT(tree-top) in checking that the bevel is set at the 1K... Hmmm... Gives me pause hoping I'm not "kidding myself". lol.

More on that, a good link to revisit is the "epd" shave test http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...-1k-shave.html

The problem with hair test is… it does not work for everyone and it does not test the whole edge.

If it works for you… go for it.

Yeah. I know. I'd simply been doing the ole Lynn TPT and it seems to be working for me.

Not I'm interested to revisit the bevel set and get a little more out of it. Sticking in my mind on Lynn's Chosera 1K bevel set vid shot by a member was the subtle differences in TPTs between his sets as he tests them and allows SRP member to test.



I think I'm going to focus on levels on TPT results and when I've gotten to "Oh, Yeah", I'll give the tree tops a buzz. The hair tests will be an aside.

I'm realizing what a slow cutter the King 1K(even with the Nag slurry) is by comparison to the Chosera. I've never spend this time on the bevel setting before. I'm getting pretty good results, but will have to finish up tomorrow.

I use the thumb pad test primarily. If I do too many razors in a row though I have to resort to shaving arm hair because the skin on my thumb will be all shredded up.

Like everyone else has said though, you can easily develop a feel for what sharp is and what "not quite there" feels like.

while finding what works for you I would definitely recommend incorporating the tnt, using the tip of the nail to check for nicks. there can be the slightest nicks that don't show easily under magnification but that the sensitivity of your nail can detect readily. after ensuring there are no nicks the other tests will all tell you that you either have a set bevel or you don't. I tend to not rely on the arm hair too much, not the best test for checking the full cutting edge. a wet thumb nail and lightly drag blade across will show it either "bites" in along the whole length of cutting edge or spots will "skip" across meaning not fully set. just the weight of the blade or you can get a "false reading" from that test however. other than that I love to just use fingertips and thumb pad.
in Charles holtzapfels 1850 book "turning and mechanical manipulation there is discussion of the old timers using what I call the "palm pad test" where they determined the razors keenness by making a small incision in the thick skin covering the inner edge of the palm. he also describes the old timers using the thumb or fingernail to test as well. nowadays some prefer the hht over the palm pad test though!

Originally Posted by cosperryan

I use the thumb pad test primarily. If I do too many razors in a row though I have to resort to shaving arm hair because the skin on my thumb will be all shredded up.

Like everyone else has said though, you can easily develop a feel for what sharp is and what "not quite there" feels like.

ouch! no amount of razors should shred your thumb from tpt. maybe an issue with pressure or are you running the thumb along the cutting edge to test? it should just catch the fingerprints using no pressure and you roll the thumb.