Thread: Does TPT change as you progress?

Originally Posted by janivar123

thats my description till i cand find a more accurate one

This needs a little more explanation i think.
as with my English i don't think i would be very helpful.
Suction--word, if you use while honing then i would understand but on checking sharpness of edge ?
This just confuses me.
i would say in my words
finer your edge gets you will feel your finger slides( could be wrong word) better.
tried my best .
I am sure more people will come and clear this up.

Consistency in your testing methods, IMO, is probably more important in helping you to develop your ability to use the TPT as a useful test then which method you choose to follow. Both methods, going across the blade or going along the blade,will work. It becomes a personal preference which one you feel most comfortable with. Being able to interpret the TPT to determine the condition of the blade's edge is what you are trying to achieve. That ability will come through time and experience, and if you remain consistent in your testing, it should come more easily.

I personally, like to go across the blade. Actually, I go across the blade with a slight angle down the blade. I use a dry thumb and I touch the blade with an extremely light touch. I would estimate that my thumb does not touch the blade more then 1mm at a time. I do a series of touches along the length of the blade. That is what works for me.

I use the TPT all through my honing and stropping progression and I find there is a noticeable difference in the feel of the blade as it becomes sharper.

The "sticky" quality of the TPT, for me, is only accurate at the bevel-setting stage. Once I have a finished edge, one that can pass the HHT and shave well, the TPT reveals nothing: it feels like a dull blade. I don't doubt it's cutting skin, there just is no "sticky," "caramel-like," or whatever feel to it. I posted about this some time ago: some agreed with my experience, others did not. You must establish your own frame of reference.

IMO, going across the blade is a good way to feel the edge of a pocket knife but a razor is a different kettle of fish. I use the test as described by honedright a couple of years ago. I hold the spine between my forefinger and thumb of my left hand and take the moistened thumb pad of my right hand and start at the heel I gently slide my TP up the blade towards the point.

If the razor is dull the TP will slide like, if you'll pardon the expression, a hog on ice. If it is sharp it will grab the TP and slow it down if not stop it. In that case I lift my TP and move up towards the point a bit and try it again. I repeat until I am satisfied that I have assessed the condition of the edge from heel to point.

Randy told me back when I first came around to practice the TPT with a new DE razor to get the idea and doing that was very helpful. He also told me to use the TPT continually while honing to develop the feel for it. On of my other hobbies is bicycling and my fingertips are somewhat callused from holding and turning nuts and bolts. When I do the TPT I go left of center of my TP to try and get some softer skin. Something to think about if you have callused fingertips.

i find at 1k your thumb should grip the edge at 5k level your thumb should be able to feel a big differamnce ie sticky and smooth feel from there on not laods of differance