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Does that mean you have medical training? If so, it's no wonder that you're willing to risk removing body parts.

You mean you didn't try the tongue test?

I don't think that my kind of thumb test requires all that much sensitivity. You're only looking for a good razor grab and the feel of a thin edge.

I know the answer to that- shaving. That's the only one he admits to.

That's quite amazing! Now, consider that a hair is about 75 microns and the razor test would be looking for 5 or less.

Look at this:

“Tell us about Sharpness of Razor blades?

If you carefully rub your thumb over the edge perpendicular to the edge, you should hear a high-frequent tingling sound and it should...

I just tried a fresh single edged razor, and I noticed it's very difficult to touch it head on. Every touch produced a slight sideways motion and grabbing or drawing of the thumb. I never noticed...

OK. So, now you'r saying that it's a smooth feel that tells you the edge is sharp. This makes more sense.

It sounds like the idea is to feel any existing unevenness in the edge. But my...

OK Randy, I haven't gotten an answer on this. When you move along the edge, what do you feel? How could the edge drag anything in its sharp direction?

On the basis of this thread, I've been...

The rule I've seen is not to use it after honing, but otherwise before stropping.

That's certainly a good point, but you don't have to use the linnen to do that cleaning. You should be able to clean well enough with a towel to protect the leather.

My guess is it might be...

My barber had a lot more than that many razors. He had to be able to send some out for honing, and sometimes he switched razors during a shave or just put one away.

The one he put away would get...

In the 1931 version it's page 27 and Fig. 24. If it was understandable, we wouldn't be having this discussion. Touching lightly along the edge (without specifying movement), which covers both...

Practice with a fresh single edged blade to calibrate your thumb. You'll notice that it not only grabs your thumb but you can actually feel a thin edge. That's the difference between sharp and...

And I'm saying it shouldn't along the length of a keen edge. In it's cutting direction, a blade will stall a lot if it has chips or a wire edge. A keen edge, however, should feel perfectly smooth,...

I use the thumb test. I have never been able to get the HHT to work for me with any razor honed by anyone, even the best.

You're supposed to use hairs as close as possible to the ones you're...

Guys, I'll be the first to admit that the information out there about the thumb test is not the most complete, and I understand where the questions are coming from.

I also would be confused...

Kees, TNT is not a sharpness test, and it should never be your first test, because it will dull a sharp edge.

Do your sharpness test when you first pick up a razor, whatever it is (HHT?). If...

That's it, exactly.

If you run your thumb ALONG a keen edge, there should be no drag no matter how lightly you touch the blade. In fact, the keen edge will slice your thumb, even with a very light touch. After all, it...

STOP! The thumb should never be moved along the edge unless you're trying to reduce its size.

The thumb is oved across the edge. A dull blade will permit it to slide across, while a keen one...