Thread: TNT after bevel setting.

Hi guys.

Just trying to get an idea of how many of you (if any) use the thumb nail test after the 1k mark.

I did it tonight but I'm going to keep my results and reasons personal right now so I don't get lit up by the pros for suggesting anything.

I use it on knives all the time. I only use it on a razor the first time I set the bevel, after that I use a magnifying glass or microscope.

I think the thumbnail test is an excellent tool. Since I keep a Zeiss stereomicroscope on my honing table I don't bother with the TNT but is a perfectly viable tool for anyone who does not use magnification.

I have never used the TNT,,, if the edge smoothly shaves arm hair after setting the bevel,,, then I move up the progression.

Yup, it’s quick. If it feels good pick up the loupe, if not do some more laps. You can TNT without wiping off the razor. It is a quick test, once you calibrate it to your thumb, it can take some time to learn.

My thumb is pretty actuate but, I still can’t feel chips…

That went a lot better then I expected. I half expected to be brought up on blasphemy charges.

I rarely ever use magnification and the Thumb Nail Test has proved useful on many occasions. Mainly used after bevel setting if but not always to detect chips before stropping and shaving.

Glad to know I'm not going crazy.

I love how different we all are. It's what keeps SRP interesting.

Now would a TNT detect a wire edge??

I used to use tnt when doing hand engraving, I still have many Gravers which each got checked, TNT and Loupe checked then laid out, on some jobs they were ran over to the diamond disc I made using a grain feed reduction drive /8" disc. Then retested on TNT, all were polished on a Translucent Arkansas before testing, they cut metal like Lasers.

Razors are a whole nother smoke, I have no problem detecting nicks in an edge on them but would rather Not run a shave ready edge anywhere on a nail. When looking at old razors, sometimes it's a good idea to check for nicks or devil spit pits near the edge with TNT.

I find it really helpful after major edge repair where I bread knifed. Very easy to find the dead spots with the TNT

Originally Posted by S0LITARYS0LDIER

That went a lot better then I expected. I half expected to be brought up on blasphemy charges.


Now would a TNT detect a wire edge??

Really ????

The TNT is one of the most recommended tests for after a Bevel set in fact it works very well before you even start..

It also helps smooth up the edge after a bevel set if you do a few TNT's rather then a light Killing/Jointing/Downstroking of the edge on the stone then do a few more light laps to bring the edge back, before moving higher..
It detects so many issues very quickly ,and after you get used to it pretty darn accurately..

And yes it will HELP fix a wire edge, but as you practice more and more you will get them less and less


Use every test you can get to work for you, some work better then other for YOU, but learn them all and use them all until they are second nature

Yeah, the TNT is a good way to find faults in a blade that you can't see, especially if you don't have a loupe. Quite amazing what you can detect through the thumbnail. Depending on condition of razor, will use this method. It is a lot faster than peering through a periscope every 5 minutes. When you can't feel the nicks and bumps any more and your bevel is near set, it breaks down the fin making the edge less serrated. That is something you will feel at the shave test. Never had a problem with a wire edge.