Thread: Explaining the thumb test

Joe,

Maybe we are talking about the same thing, and maybe not, but...

I have been using the thumb test for over 20 years, and when I run the ball of my thumb lightly along, parallel to, not across perpendicular to, a keen edge immediately after stropping, it does "stick" or "draw" and that is exactly the sensation you should be looking for. Yes, it would slice my thumb were I to use more pressure and/or draw my thumb along the edge in a single movement, but this is the way it's done.

Check any standard textbook on barbering to confirm that this is the correct way to do the thumb test.

Scott