Thread: Explaining the thumb test

One more reference to the "thumb test" on page 86 of "Barber Shop History and Antiques" by Christian R. Jones. This description is taken from a Moler barber manual:

"...the razor should stick to the ball of the finger or thumb, having the same damp, sliding the razor from the heel to the point. Should the razor feel slick to the ball of the finger, it is in need of more stropping, until it does feel smooth and stick to the flesh."

Notice the barber manual specifies sliding the razor from heel to point. Doesn't sound like brushing the thumb across the edge to me. (the thumb across the edge is a great way to check for a sharp edge on a pocket or kitchen knife, but not on a straight razor).

The barber who showed me this technique didn't slide the razor. He held the razor still and moved his thumb, in tiny increments, with a very light touch, along the cutting edge, from heel to point. A sort of light "tapping" of the thumb along the edge. There was no lateral movement of the thumb or razor.

Scott