Thread: Favorite method to check bevel?

I used to use a lot of tests and still would get to the end to find a spot was not"quite" there. Eventually I calibrated a thumb pad test and use that effectively now. Old habits die hard so I still double check with an arm hair test. Whatever test you use, you have to calibrate it AKA learn what a pass/fail is for that test. Once you get a calibrated test, things become much MUCH more consistent.

Originally Posted by RezDog

When getting the bevel set, I look almost straight down at the point of the apex to see if it is free of sparkles and lines. Once I find the entire apex to be complete, I begin my progression and check the sides of the bevel with a loupe to ensure I am ready to move up. I do very few other tests.

This.

At this point if I'm cutting my arm hair it's just goofing off. It was my favorite test for a while, but as much as I was honing I'd have a clean shaved left arm and the right one looking like it was stolen from Bigfoot.

I only do a run along my thumb nail if I have resonance to think there's a chip or burr. But both of those can be seen with careful inspection under a loupe.

I like the thumb pad test. But again it doesn't tell me anything a loupe won't.

I just use these more to calibrate/train my ability to read an edge without magnification so I can still hone effectively if I can't find my loupe.

I use my scope to check the blade while setting the bevel and throughout the whole honing process. While setting the bevel I'm looking for spots that I am missing or any inconsistencies. When everything looks right I try the thumbnail test. If the bevel is sticky all the way across I shave leg hair with small sections across the blade. If that works the blade is good to go.

Pete <:-}

There is no right one

I have learned at the meets by passing a razor around the table there is inevitably someone there that cannot get a test to work for them

When you are unsure use them all, continue to use them all until you start to narrow it down to your one absolute goto for sure works for you 99% of the time test..

Even then it isn't a bad thing to be able to use multiple tests or even progressive tests ..

It doesn't make a difference which one works for me or anyone else you have to develop your own system that works for you


BTW it will probably change after you hone a few 100 razors too, if you hone a few 100 razors

Originally Posted by gssixgun

There is no right one

I have learned at the meets by passing a razor around the table there is inevitably someone there that cannot get a test to work for them

When you are unsure use them all, continue to use them all until you start to narrow it down to your one absolute goto for sure works for you 99% of the time test..

Even then it isn't a bad thing to be able to use multiple tests or even progressive tests ..

It doesn't make a difference which one works for me or anyone else you have to develop your own system that works for you


BTW it will probably change after you hone a few 100 razors too, if you hone a few 100 razors

OK fair enough but..........I would still like to know which method works for you, just out of curiosity
(and also that toilet paper test to check for unevenness was great)

Whichever is comfortable to you is a good way to start. To get a baseline for any test, try the test out with a safety razor blade of known quantity.

Originally Posted by Steel

I used to use a lot of tests and still would get to the end to find a spot was not"quite" there. Eventually I calibrated a thumb pad test and use that effectively now. Old habits die hard so I still double check with an arm hair test. Whatever test you use, you have to calibrate it AKA learn what a pass/fail is for that test. Once you get a calibrated test, things become much MUCH more consistent.

What do you mean by calibration in this context? Is there a "set" feel to it that you have learned, or do you always compare to another blade?

Originally Posted by trondsi

OK fair enough but..........I would still like to know which method works for you, just out of curiosity
(and also that toilet paper test to check for unevenness was great)

Honestly, mine CANNOT miss

When you are honing professionally if you have to re-hone you are losing what very little money there is in honing

So I watch the Loupe and make sure everything is nice and even, then I use the TPT and feel for it, once I am pretty sure I use the TNT which also evens up the edge and cleans it up, do a few more laps with finishing strokes do an AHT to make sure

Then I am SURE I am ready to go on

This way I actually save time because I do not have to back up and start over..

The AHT is my favorite and is the one that I feel most comfortable with

Glen has confirmed for me that I'm heeding his lessons well. I use the loupe, TNT and AHT before cleaning up test effects and calling it good. If I wasn't so squeamish, I would probably incorporate the TPT as well...but that just gives me the creeps! I'm afraid of slicing open my thumb pad by accident.

Personally I rely on the arm hair test.
I have it down to a fine art, cutting just one hair per part of the edge, toe, middle and heel. I test both arms checking both sides of the blade.
It seems you can have one side of the blade set but not the other?
Some times I don't have to cut the hair, just the grip on the skin tells me the bevel is set.