How do you test the sharpness of your knife when you get it?

Fletcher Knives

Fletcher Knives

STEEL BREATHING BLADE MAESTRO
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This is a question for everyone who buys custom knives. How do you "check it out" when you get it? Do you do the "arm hair test", and if so, do you try both directions or just one? Do you cut something? If so, what?
 
I usually can tell buy running my thumb along the edge, but also doing the shave test on the arm against the grain. Never considered shaving the other way.
 
I tend to do the arm/leg hair test. I do both directions. I actually enjoy giving it at least a light sharpen on my own regardless of how sharp it is just to bond with it a little bit. You know, that or cut the hell out of myself with it right away! :)

edit: by both directions, I meant with the "grain" but both sides of the knife. Sometimes I don't do so well sharpening evenly so it will shave better on the right than the left or vice-versa. I usually just go with the grain though 'cause it seems like if it shaves well with the hair laying flatter then it will definitely shave against...
 
First I look along the edge under light to check for blunt spots. If need be, a quick run along the ceramic, then the boring old paper test - usually try to make a fuzzy stick out of trash paper.
 
I check it with my fingers, then see if it can shave off curls of paper
 
I touch the edge with my fingers.
Just got a Benchmade 610 Rukus off ebay in the mail today.

Sheesh!

pete
 
Shaving, paper slicing, nail slide, rolled newspaper, cooking, fish, etc...
but most important part is backyard gardening.
If it is no damage and easy to resharpen it is reliable for me,
and when it is pleasant to use I can easily get out to work with it.
 
I always do a paper test to see if it cuts smoothly, without ripping the paper. I will strop the blade a bit if necessary and then do a shave test on both sides. This is all assuming the knife came sharp from the maker to begin with.
 
If it's hair popping then I'm a happy camper. Shaving the edge of cheapo thin catalogue paper tends to be a good test as well as you only have to look at it wrong and it tears instead of slices.
 
Dylside said:
HAHAHA! It's not you brother. lol. There has just been a lot of talk about sharpness lately and I got curious about this.
Click to expand...

Well to answer your question Sir - If it cuts the hair on a downward stroke without touching the skin (that be parallel to all you geek types :D), then it's sharp enough for me :thumbup:
 
i've never bought a knife that came "hair popping sharp" closes thing to it i've ever gotten was my Spyderco Bushcrafter.

ii usually run the edge on the back of my thumbnail, looking for a smooth even drag as it cuts into the nail, and if it skips there's a problem rough or dull spot.

just got a Spyderco Sharpmaker. need to get some ultrafine rods for it and see if i can get some stuff polished up to the point of hair popping.

i haven't been sharpening much lately and i can't find my nice hard Arkansas stone at the moment.
 
Arm hair and paper. On the paper mainly near the tip and choil area .
 
I do paper and may do the hair thing. Main thing I do is use it. Some edges don't cut paper or hair but do the work well.
 
I always end up cutting myself. Some way some how it always happens. Most of the time before I get a chance to use it. I figure if it doesn't hurt too much then its sharp enough. :)
 
killstew said:
I usually can tell buy running my thumb along the edge, but also doing the shave test on the arm against the grain. Never considered shaving the other way.
Click to expand...
Yep,thumb down the edge for me too,if it tries to grab/dig in,it's sharp.Then the nail down the edge lookin' for imperfections.
 
Fingernail, then arm hair, then put the blade to some use and check to see how well the edge holds.
 
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