Thread: Thumb Pad Test help.

Originally Posted by Lynn

Definitely across the edge or perpendicular.

Thanks,

Lynn

I finally got the hang of the TPT. If you read the wiki, there are two ways of doing it. Lynn describes the first way mentioned, where you move your thumb perpendicular to the edge. The second way in the wiki says to move your thumb along the edge, in very short strokes. I use that way, but it is a VERY short strike, just long enough to start digging into the skin,then I pull my thumb away perpendicular to feel for any cutting. You really are cutting skin, you know.

Goog

Originally Posted by jeffegg2

I guess what really has me confused is I tried the same thing on a brand new DE blade and have the same results. Could the DE blade be that dull?

No. Even a blade with a reputation of being "not that sharp" (cheaper Gillette blades, Merkur, Derby) will be more than sharp enough to give you a positive result on the TPT.

I'd say continue to experiment with a DE blade, using either different portions of your thumb or another finger altogether until you get a good feel for the test.

I like to do it the way Scott (honedright) describes in this archived post here. It is what I guess you'd call the vertical approach.

A few things I've gathered from the TPT:

1. You need to "calibrate" your thumb. Doing a TPT with someone with experience will allow you to figure out the degrees of sharpness.
2. It's not a Yes/No test. There really are degrees of sharpness.
3. Use ultra-light pressure. Like Lynn, I prefer to use a calloused finger. Imagine you're only using the tops of your fingerprint ridges to touch the razor.
4. Don't wet or slide your finger.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I like to do it the way Scott (honedright) describes in this archived post here. It is what I guess you'd call the vertical approach.

Jimmy, that's the way I've been doing it too.

I think I'd have a heck of a hard time differentiating between a set bevel and a shave ready bevel going perpendicular to the edge. As always though, the shave test is the final test.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I like to do it the way Scott (honedright) describes in this archived post here. It is what I guess you'd call the vertical approach.

+1 on this. I watched Max do this meticulously throughout the honing process, as well as using his loupe. I'm still calibrating my thumb. A fresh DE helps to recalibrate from time to time, but once you've done it enough you just know. Avoid doing it on a thumb that is too wet or been wet for a long time. With damp wet skin almost any edge will trigger that "sticky" feeling and will be misleading.

It seems we have a few slightly varying techniques for this test between us.

I use a wet thumb.
I like to use an area where the skin is thicker, or calloused.
I do go with the direction of the blade.

I'm looking for the blade to stick to the skin, thus preventing movement down the edge, which could be dangerous.

I didn't find the use of a DE helped me much when I was trying to calibrate this test, but that in no way means it wouldn't help the next man.

I use this test a lot as well.
I go along the edge, with the thumb perpendicular to the blade.
Usually i slightly moisten my thumb just a little bit.
I like to use a part that is not too calloused, I seem to to get a better feeling of the sharpness that way.

I'm still working on developing my TPT. I can tell when my bevel is set, and I can almost tell when I'm where my 5k can take me. If I take a razor and hone it across a number of different hones, I can feel the differences, but I wouldn't know what to look for off any one hone. The only way to get better is to do it a lot (and have a good memory for the sensations).

I am most comfortable using the tip of my left thumb (I'm a righty), but can also use the tip of my right index finger
I need my finger to be dry
I give a gentle "pull" along the edge - not enough to slide but enough to feel the resistance