Thread: thumb pad test - a few questions

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?

The draw is a sensation on the strop, a slight drag. The gripping sensation on your thumb pad you describe is precisely what you should be experiencing. I'm doing this test off the hone so it's a vit more challenging to achieve, but pays off in the shave. The shave is the real test for your edge as you probably know.

X

X:

Let me clarify because I may not have been as clear as I should have been.

The gripping sensation is what I get on my thumbNAIL after using the pasted paddle to hone the edge. According to the barber textbook, this is correct.

I understand that while stropping, there is a drawing sensation but what I'm refering to is the drawing sensation felt on the thumbPAD after the stropping, not during. According to the barber textbook, the test to determine a keen cutting edge after stropping is to take a moistened thumbpad and touch it lightly to the edge. If it is keen and properly stropped, it will produce a drawing feeling. It is this feeling I'm not sure of.

Of course, I agree with you that the ultimate test of the edge sharpness is the shave. I'm just interested in learning these other tests to get an indication of shave readiness.

When you draw your thumbpad over a sharpened edge what you're feeling are all those microteeth against your skin which provides what to me is kind of a rough sensation on the thumbpad. If the thumbpad is very smooth those teeth are not well developed.

As newbie I could also use more information on the sensation of the thumbpad test. what does "draw" feel like? How much pressure? Does the pad move along the blade at all, or just touch it?

I don't know if this sort of thing can be taught through words. I have tried to learn off a DE blade but still not sure what I am looking for.

Bill

I have one question about the thumbpad test, too: Do you wet your thumb first? I know the thumbnail test is done with water, but I'm not sure about the thumbpad test.

This one still eludes me.

Thanks,
Josh

Originally Posted by Twilliger

As newbie I could also use more information on the sensation of the thumbpad test. what does "draw" feel like?

I wouldn't use tha word 'draw'. To me what it feels like if the edge is near ready is a tickling sensation. Before that it's a little rougher. If I've overoned it gets kinda 'bitey' or 'grabby'.

Originally Posted by Twilliger

How much pressure?

ZERO!

Originally Posted by Twilliger

Does the pad move along the blade at all, or just touch it?

The thumb is delicately drawn laterally across the edge and not along it.

Originally Posted by joshearl

I have one question about the thumbpad test, too: Do you wet your thumb first?

In my experience it's definitely better that way

X

Apparently the way I have been performing the thumb pad test is wrong but I will share what I do anyway as it works for me.

Using my Lynn honed razor as a guide I would very lightly touch the edge with the outer inside edge of the ball of my thumb, a keen edge (like this one) would sink into the skin creating a sticky sensation when I would lift my thumb.

On my own razors I will check the edge in different places to check the stickiness while finishing. I also use the hair on the inside of my arm, honing/testing to the point where it matches the Meister razors (no popping) cutting ability in the same spot, then test shave.

Miles