Thread: Does TPT change as you progress?

I'm trying to develop my feel for the TPT before I look like an olympic swimmer. The way I'm doing it is to wet my thumb for at least 20 second, then run it along the edge lightly. The edge passes when I can feel the blade grab the skin, as opposed to sliding easily along.

Assuming you start with a 1k, and go up through 4k, 8k and 12k, does the feel of the thumb pad test change from one grit to another? Once you have it at 1k, will it feel stickier, or dig in more on the higher grits?

thanks

Goog

It is different off each stone, and the differences can be hard to describe. For example, off my 5k I'd say it feels more slick than off my 1k. The first time I actually thought I'd dulled the edge.

I think the best way to caliblate your TPT is by doing an arm hair test then a TPT, so you can say "A razor that cuts like that feels like this."

Originally Posted by greatgoogamooga

I'm trying to develop my feel for the TPT before I look like an olympic swimmer. The way I'm doing it is to wet my thumb for at least 20 second, then run it along the edge lightly. The edge passes when I can feel the blade grab the skin, as opposed to sliding easily along.

Assuming you start with a 1k, and go up through 4k, 8k and 12k, does the feel of the thumb pad test change from one grit to another? Once you have it at 1k, will it feel stickier, or dig in more on the higher grits?

thanks

Goog

The Wiki has good information regarding the TPT. You should take a look if you have not already. I would not advise running your thumb along the blade. The wiki explains that the thumb should go across the blade not along the blade. Start here Sharpness tests explained - Straight Razor Place Wiki

You should feel a difference in the edge as the sharpness of the blade changes. The more practice and experience you gain the better you will understand the differences.

Originally Posted by lesshairy

You should feel a difference in the edge as the sharpness of the blade changes. The more practice and experience you gain the better you will understand the differences.

+1. IME it takes awhile to educate the TP.

Originally Posted by lesshairy

The Wiki has good information regarding the TPT. You should take a look if you have not already. I would not advise running your thumb along the blade. The wiki explains that the thumb should go across the blade not along the blade. Start here Sharpness tests explained - Straight Razor Place Wiki

You should feel a difference in the edge as the sharpness of the blade changes. The more practice and experience you gain the better you will understand the differences.

Apparently, I am using the "Alternative Method" described in the wiki, which does suggest moving the thumb lightly along the blade.

Goog

I don't think the direction matters so long as you get used to it, don't cut yourself, and don't wrock the edge. I use a dry thumb and "tug" along the edge - I don't actually slide my finger, but I apply a force in the direction parallel to the edge.

well i use the alternate (lenghtwise) TPT too
its not a really big difference between the grits
but if i go really lo there is a more grabbing feel,
and at the high grits im feeling more like suction

im not sure im making sense but if the razor grab instead of suck its not smooth enough

Originally Posted by janivar123

well i use the alternate (lenghtwise) TPT too
its not a really big difference between the grits
but if i go really lo there is a more grabbing feel,
and at the high grits im feeling more like suction

im not sure im making sense but if the razor grab instead of suck its not smooth enough

This is what I was thinking of. So what you're saying is, a really smooth edge sucks!

Goog

thats my description till i cand find a more accurate one

I don't really slide my thumb on the blade at all. I just touch the thumb to the blade to feel for sticking. The funny thing is that, though I can't see any cutting at all, if I wash dishes after a long honing session, my skin swells up a little and then every single test becomes visible, revealing dozens of little slashes.

That stickiness results in the blade sinking imperceptibly into the skin even though you can't see it.