Thread: What tests to perform while honing

Sorry to start this new thread but, after a quick search, I didn't manage to find any systhematic information on tests performed while honing in order to understand just "where" is the edge during honing.
I never honed a razor before, except for some touch-ups on a barber hone. And even that is new...
So I was wondering what tests to perform and how? I've heard about these:
1) the magic marker test (for the bevel right?)
2) the Thumb Pad test
3) the Thum Nail Test
4) the hanging hair test (assumimg that this is more than an impressive trick...)
What elese is there? How do you do it? How are these suposed to feel? I ask the latter question because I'm scared out of my mind with the thought of a razor diging into my finger...
Thanks for the help!

Here's my take on your question:

1) Magic marker test: put magic marker on the bevel, down the full length of a razor that has a questionable bevel. After making a few passes on your hone of choice, look at the bevel (some prefer magnification here) to determine if the entire bevel is making contact with the hone.

2) Thumb Nail test: to be used ONLY on low grit, bevel setting honing. It should evenly and smoothly bite into the wet thumbnail. If the blade has areas of catching, or doesn't bite in... you need to re-set the bevel.

3) Thumb Pad Test: after honing on higher grit hones, this is my go-to test. On a dry thumb pad, the razor should bite into the skin, or feel sticky when you lightly press on it or drag the ball of the thumb across it...LIGHTLY.

4) Hanging Hair Test: Take a hair, hold a length of approx.1" perpendicular to the blade. Press the middle of it down on any given part of the blade and pull away very slightly to give the blade a chance to bite in.
The hair should catch and then pop in half cleanly. No splitting, no stuttering of the hair.

Thanks, Joe!

You'd figure that, after some months doing this traight razor thing, I'd be aware - even if unexperienced - of all these tests and tricks... but I never even atempted them because of - let's call it this way... - slice-fright! The only thing I do is the HHT. The others are still a bit obscure for me... but I'll give them a shot, in due time. Thanks again!

if i could elaborate on my thoughts.

Originally Posted by joke1176

Here's my take on your question:

1) Magic marker test: put magic marker on the bevel, down the full length of a razor that has a questionable bevel. After making a few passes on your hone of choice, look at the bevel (some prefer magnification here) to determine if the entire bevel is making contact with the hone. i only used this when i was trying to figure out how to set the bevel. once i learned what the bevel needed to be like and look like, i stopped using this. but it helped tons when learning.

2) Thumb Nail test: to be used ONLY on low grit, bevel setting honing. It should evenly and smoothly bite into the wet thumbnail. If the blade has areas of catching, or doesn't bite in... you need to re-set the bevel. this really helps to find chips in the edge. when you feel comfortable with the TPT, you can feel the chips with the TPT also. scary though if you are uncomfortable with the TPT. TNT very good to fing chips. wet the nail always worked for me.

3) Thumb Pad Test: after honing on higher grit hones, this is my go-to test. On a dry thumb pad, the razor should bite into the skin, or feel sticky when you lightly press on it or drag the ball of the thumb across it...LIGHTLY. you just have to experience. best test next to shave.

4) Hanging Hair Test: Take a hair, hold a length of approx.1" perpendicular to the blade. Press the middle of it down on any given part of the blade and pull away very slightly to give the blade a chance to bite in.
The hair should catch and then pop in half cleanly. No splitting, no stuttering of the hair. since i don't have long hair anymore, grazing over arm hairs about 1/8" over the skin may produce the same result. MAY.

these are great explanations of these tests. joke did a great job. the only test i use for true sharpness is the TPT. i do the HHT just because i think it is fun to watch hairs just fall over like that.

good luck.

vgod

I use the TPT every few laps to chart the progress and the HHT when I think I'm there, just to confirm.

X

All those tests are fine to gauge your progress. But once you have the razor to a point where you are ready to SHAVE test it. strop it up and DON'T touch it to anything but your face. I begin to tell you how many times I've dulled an edge screwing around with it-instead of just SHAVING.

Another handy test-especially if you have hairy arms-is just "combing" through your arm hair. A truly keen edge will cleave them right off.

Originally Posted by Lt.Arclight

All those tests are fine to gauge your progress. But once you have the razor to a point where you are ready to SHAVE test it. strop it up and DON'T touch it to anything but your face. I begin to tell you how many times I've dulled an edge screwing around with it-instead of just SHAVING.

Another handy test-especially if you have hairy arms-is just "combing" through your arm hair. A truly keen edge will cleave them right off.

Other than shaving, this my go-to test.

When I was trying to make sense of the TPT Randy told me to take a sharp DE blade and do the TPT to get an idea of what a sharp edge is supposed to feel like. Also to use the TPT along with the TNT when setting the bevel as that helps a person to get the feel of it too. The TNT is easy to get the hang of but the TPT is a little more elusive. The DE blade really helps. BTW, once the razor passes the TNT don't do it again. As the edge gets finer the TNT can hurt rather then help .... the edge that is, not the thumbnail.