Thread: Thumb testing

The hard thing about this test is: the differences are _very_ subtle and one has to develop the feel for it. I'm still far from perfect with this test, but often checking between hair tests (at least I know how to use these ) and thumb test has me learning each time I hone.

One thing that made/makes a major difference for me: I do the test not with the front-part of my ball of thumb, as there seems to be too much callus and its feels way to rough. So I went to check more on the inner parts of the ball of thumb, which offers quite a bit more of feedback.

Aside from that the feeling is really like the blade sticking to skin and tending to move instead of just slipping across. Oh, and btw. I do the test with my thumb being dry - with wet skin every blade feels dull

Hope this helps,
-Axel-

By VERY gently bringing the thumb pad across the edge, you can feel the little cutting teeth gripping the thumb as it goes by. It's the cutting action of the fins you're feeling for.

X

I am beginning to tell the difference between sharp and almost sharp with my thumb, but I still do not use it as the final indicator. Rather it is one of the indicators. After I believe the razor is sharp with my thumb, I confirm its true sharpness with the hanging hair test. If it does not pass the HHT then it is only part way there and I keep honing. Just my two cents worth.

jmsbcknr

This is the one test that I do not have a feel for. For me the real test is the syf test. Other than that it's all fun and games.