TPT observation

I've noticed repeatedly that the TPT produces the "stickiest" sensation for me right after the bevel is set. Feels like there is glue on the edge.

However, by the time I've worked up through the progression, stropped, etc., that sensation has disappeared. The blade is as sharp and refined as I need it to be (I'm very picky about this, since I do ATG final passes everywhere, including the neck, upper lip, etc., so I can't have a less-than-optimal blade, and I do get BBS results), but the TPT at this stage results in a feel that is almost like that of a dull blade -- no bite at all.

I've duplicated this in all 30+ blades I have. Also, I get the same "dull" TPT sensation from a new DE blade, even a Feather.

Are my fingers weird or something? Or have others noticed that the TPT goes off as the blade becomes more refined?

there is nothing wrong with your finger or what you are finding out. That is exactly should happen.
when you set bevel in lower grit stone your edge looks like this

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^


after you done with your honing edge looks like this
_________________________________________________

now lets hope this will clear things for you
GL

Do not touch the edge :)

No honestly, once you get pass a test, don't keep going back to it, especially the TNT and TPT....
The arm hair test is a good one to learn, and even the HHT if you take the time to learn to make it work, but really after the 4k level you should quit touching the edge with any thing other than hair... The shave test is the really good one LOL

+1 with Hi Bud's description too....

For me, the TPT keeps working even at the newspaper level. I also use the HHT.

It just feels different as the edge gets sharper. Hard to describe, but it seems to go from "sticky" to "sticky" and "slightly squeaky". If that makes any sense. Kinda' like comparing a Feather DE to a standard drugstore DE. I'll guess that the "squeaky" feeling is the edge cutting the top skin layers with greater and greater ease.

EDIT: Maybe a better analogy: Like the feeling when I rub my thumb on a wet plate that is squeaky clean, only on a much finer scale.

Randydance helped me 'get' the TPT by suggesting I try a new DE blade to compare the feeling. 59caddy helped me out too by posting the 'correct' way to do it. I was holding the razor's spine in my left hand and trying the edge with the thumb pad with my right. He recommended holding the razor by the tang in the off hand and having the finger tips of the testing hand on the spine while the thumb pad contacts the edge. I found that adds to the sensitivity of the test.