Thread: Bevel test helper

This is one of those controversial subjects that pops up from time to time

Pro - It works

Con-
I have to have a Tomato or Grape at the Bench
Tomato juice is NOT a good mix with fresh carbon steel
I actually did a test out in the shop coming straight off the buffers and the razor passed easily (it would not pass any other test)

After the buffer test, I shelved the idea, plus I tend to eat any food that might be at my honing bench


But

If it is a for sure Go / NoGo test that works for you then use it by all means..

Many ways to skin a cat, plenty of people use this method to determine a bevel set, plenty of posts on the subject too. As an unusual method it will go against the grain but as long as it works, great!
I just use a loupe.

Yeah...Those cherry tomatoes are a great snack!

I can tell if a bevel is set from the feedback from the hone, let alone a TPT or loupe. Its not a argument, that yours is wrong, its just my opinion and choice, on bevel setting, and what I'll subject my blades to.

If you can't except that, then maybe over 40 years of honing about everything under the sun, and countless thousands of blades from pocket knives to machetes, axes, ect., will. If numbers are what concern you.

I use cherry tomatoes all the time, also the TNT test

After I have a good undercut going on the bevel setter, I’ve been using the tnt. I used to use my arm hair as a gauge instead of the tnt. If the blade bites the same all the way across I fix any damage I may have caused with a few more light strokes on the bevel setter then move on. I haven’t tried using a grape or tomato but imagine I would end up with the same result if I did.

Originally Posted by outback

I won't subject my blades to that high of a alkaline level, in fear of tarnishing or etching. I'll keep using a loupe, for positive identification.

Err, tomatoes are acidic, not alkaline.

Originally Posted by Airportcopper

A loupe will only verify a scratch pattern not verify a set bevel ..

Not really.
If you know what to look for & use a strong light a loupe can show you any reflections from even the slightest flat surface.
You don't look at the surface scratches but tilt the blade to find any glint off the edge.

My favourite test is the TNT test but it doesn't work for everybody

well maybe after another 200 blades you will be there, but like said everyone has thier way,, but i use my kitchen knives on tomatoes, and a knife that will slice a tomatoe may not be a good shaver,, i can slice tomatoes at 325 grit,, so where is the test in that, i,m not going to shave with that grit ever.

if it works for you thats great, only 200 razors does,nt make it gospel. and by the way a loupe does show if a bevel is set, from there on its up to you to get it to shaving smooth. my kitchen knives have never been in my shave den,, or tomatoes

As far as I know, every test requires some calibration or experience to be consistent in your findings.. I found the coupe easiest to learn. There are some great threads about it that helped me learn. I suppose if you live somewhere with consistent supplies of cherry tomatoes it could be a great system. I don’t live there.