I have some questions about the thumbpad test. when I use my pasted paddle, I can draw the edge over my moistened thumbnail and get a gripping, smooth sensation (it is a light gripping kind of feeling like the edge is digging in a little).

When I strop and use the moistened thumbpad test, I do not feel the "drawing" sensation described in the barbering textbook and elsewhere on this site. I get no sensation at all. The razor's edge and spine remain flat on the strop and I don't apply too much pressure (just a little more than the weight of the razor, I think).

My questions are: What does this drawing sensation feel like? Should it feel like my skin is being sucked onto the edge? If so, what might I be doing that needs to be corrected to get this drawing sensation?