Next Milestone for a sharpening addict?

[JWRobinson]

I've read on this forum about tree topping sharp and thought a few times "maybe this is what they mean" when I'd achieved a particularly sharp edge. I found out tonight what it truly is after fine tuning a Leek and making a casual pass about a half inch above the skin of my arm. HOLY CRAP, THAT'S WHAT IT MEANS! As many of the hairs parted cleanly well above the skin. So, I have reached that ability (or just got lucky) and need to know what's the next level of sharpness? Push cutting toilet paper? Please help me set a new goal on my quest to split the atom

 

[OHALLUM]

Congratulations, after all aren't "milestones" what we all try to achieve in whatever endeavor we are attempting? Don't know what is the next level in sharpness is, but the fun is in the effort to achieve that level.
(I always thought tree topping was just that, taking the top out of a tree)

 

[KennyB]

Hair whittling?
Hair Hang Test?

I think these are generally in between tree-topping and push-cutting TP, but the TP is kind of tricky test since there's so manu different brands. Ankerson pretty much ushered in that feat, and if I remember correctly he used regular Charmin ( the kind in the red label ).

Have fun chasing the dragon!

 

[JWRobinson]

I think it was harder for me to get to tree topping than hair whittling but maybe I'm doing something wrong in my testing. I consider hair whittling to be when I can draw a hair across the edge and have the blade peel off a layer of hair under it's own weight. Easy to do with course hairs but more difficult with thin, fine hair. I've had many a knife that could do that with fine hair but would only catch and sever a few hairs when passed along my arm above the skin. Now, when I make the same pass above my arm with my Leek (and now, Zing) a much larger portion of the hairs are cut: I'm thinking that fits the general defn of tree topping but correct me if I'm wrong.

Just googled hanging hair test and it's going on my bucket list:thumbup:

 

[KennyB]

Maybe, I've never actually tree topped hair since mine is usually so fine and barely stands above the skin. I've always just tried hair whittling. Seems like the same basic level of sharpness, except I think if you were to try say a very fine and long hair from your head, holding it out like it was a stick and trying to whittle it requires a verrrry fine edge not to just deflect the hair.