Thread: Setting the bevel "thumb nail test"

If you Bump along it doesn't tell you what you need to know..

You also dull the edge un-evenly it also can't find rough spots evenly..

The TNT tells and does much more than just showing a sharp bevel in spots, that is why one long evenly drawn stroke across the wet thumb nail is in the description..

Your bump method will work, but it lacks all the info and effects of a true TNT

The TNT can find and smooth rough edges pretty effectively too, bumping or spot checking looses that..

Something to consider.. If it works for you that is what counts though, but I would learn the traditional method to glean the most info and benifits from it. I think that is what Jeness was also pointing out


Edit: here is another explanation of what we mean from last week

http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...tml#post936476

Originally Posted by gssixgun

If you Bump along it doesn't tell you what you need to know..

You also dull the edge un-evenly it also can't find rough spots evenly..

The TNT tells and does much more than just showing a sharp bevel in spots, that is why one long evenly drawn stroke across the wet thumb nail is in the description..

Your bump method will work, but it lacks all the info and effects of a true TNT

The TNT can find and smooth rough edges pretty effectively too, bumping or spot checking looses that..

Something to consider.. If it works for you that is what counts though, but I would learn the traditional method to glean the most info and benifits from it. I think that is what Jeness was also pointing out

Using the traditional method doesnt work for me, if the blade is really dull and you glide it on your nail it feels the same to me.
But using the method i describe i fell the sharpness and once it even across the whole blade i keep honing till it shaves arm hair easily wich is the real bevel test IMO.
Im not trying to re-write the book by any means im just sharing a different approach!

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Edit: here is another explanation of what we mean from last week

http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...tml#post936476

In response to your edit i did read that thread and my test is pretty much the same once you get a good bite along the entire edge, then you just hone till you shave arm hairs easily and your really close!
My question is did you and Jeness actualy tried my method?

I think yer missing what we are saying Martin, we never said yours couldn't work, we said there is more to the TNT and that is why it is described a certain way, not only in the Wiki but in all the old barber's manuals too...
If you change the test you change it's valid uses also..

Originally Posted by gssixgun

I think yer missing what we are saying Martin, we never said yours couldn't work, we said there is more to the TNT and that is why it is described a certain way, not only in the Wiki but in all the old barber's manuals too...
If you change the test you change it's valid uses also..

I truly understand the traditional TNT test and its uses as you described, but the reality is it doesnt work for me, so i found a way that works for me, and i get great results that what its all about!!

I tend to rely more on visual testing. When I can no longer see the edge, when it no longer reflects light, then I know I am getting close.

Originally Posted by Martin103

I found the wiki on the thumb nail test to be a little confusing to me about gliding the entire razor on your thumb nail.

Then I guess I was wrong, you said it was confusing, to you, myself I was trying to explain why it was the way it is written and the reasons for it... Now you say you understand it so I guess there was no need for an explanation after all...

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Then I guess I was wrong, you said it was confusing, to you, myself I was trying to explain why it was the way it is written and the reasons for it... Now you say you understand it so I guess there was no need for an explanation after all...

I understand how it works for you and others but not for me i just dont have the feel for it!!