Thread: TNT old school advice?

Originally Posted by Euclid440

TNT the debate goes on.

It can be a useful test if done correctly, but is it destructive? How much?

The other day I found this razor a nice ¾ in Clauss with broken scales. The dealer did not know it was in the case, I saw it under some stuff.

Turns out the razor was in a leatherette nice case and had almost no hone ware on the spine.

Probably broke the scale and was put away and forgotten.

Inside the case I found a paper sleeve that was crumpled up and wadded on one end of the case. Misted with water and unfolded it.

I thought it was interesting what was printed on the outside of the sleeve.
So was TNT a big issue then?

“Notice – This razor has been carefully honed and stropped and is ready for shaving.
Of any one handling this razor, that they do not run same across their fingernail their by endeavoring to demonstrate the flexibility of this blade. In doing so they in variably spoil the fine edge brought on by honing and stropping. If the razor is handled in this manner we cannot guarantee it shaving without again stropping. All our razors are carefully manufactured of the finest steels obtainable and made by the best workmen, and are fully warranted in every respect and are exchangeable if they do not give the utmost satisfaction. To keep you razor in excellent condition always use a good strop. Ask for a Clauss strop.

The Clauss Shear Company, Fremont”

This is not a thumbnail test TNT testing the edge for raggedness, dullness, or sharpness. They're talking about testing the blade for flexibility, i.e. thinness of a full hollow, or half hollow, etc.. Probably was a common practice back when to show just how thin a grind could be.

Showing the flexibility is/can be done by holding the blade flat to the plane of the nail and then pushing the flat of the blade/bevel edge against the nail and see the ease of pressure to the blade/edge showing distortion. Not....running the edge perpendicular to the nail to feel the edge's keenness. The blade/edge is laid flat on the nail.

Doing this, they warn could basically move the fin off level or damage it by doing such a test.

Regards,

Howard

Watch the Dovo Manufacturing Vid you will see a grind test, which many of us that hone and restore use to test for cracks and chips..

Howard and a few others are telling you right, two completely different tests..

One is on the edge one is on the bevel

Here's the video Glen mentions. The flex test is around the 2:10 to 2:15 minute mark. They do it on a metal ring for obvious reasons.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3ACJrAI3SxM