What's your sharpness test?

bpeezer

bpeezer

Joined
Jan 27, 2013
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I have different knives that perform well on different sharpness tests, so I'd like to know what some other people use for sharpness testing. For example, here are some of my tests followed by the best performer on that test.

Whittling hair: Kershaw Chill, 120 grit finish (full flat zero bevel grind)

Push cut magazine paper: Spyderco Tenacious, .5 micron finish

Feather stick: Benchmade Mini Grip, .5 micron finish

Opening my mail: Benchmade 300SN, .5 micron finish

Shaving leg hair: CRKT Ripple, 120 grit finish

Slicing newsprint: Un-heat treated, cheap steel from Tractor Supply Co, sharpened on the bottom of a coffee cup

I think the method for testing sharpness has a great affect on how "sharp" people think their knives are. What are some of your methods, and the best performers to go along with them?
 
I always test my benchmade 913 with a sheet of newspaper. That is such a satisfying feeling when you can run the entire length of the edge without it snagging. It makes me feel all fuzzy inside hearing that slicing of the paper sound!!
 
for my EDCs, hair splitting. if it can split hair once or twice, good. if it can make the end pop off with a light pressure, better. if the end falls to the floor the moment it touches the edge, best.

for choppers and whittlers, a deep 45-degree bite into dry wood without taxing the hand, or can slice course paper/cardboard with no hang-ups.

for my case slipjoints, i haven't sharpened them since they arrived and i use them daily for paper, ribbons and packing twine.
 
Shaving and gliding through paper is fine but I like to feel the edge want to cling to my skin when I lightly drag my thumb across the blade.
 
My tests are phonebook paper, shaving, and my own fingers.
The best performer on all three tests is my Cold Steel American Lawman at 17 degrees per side.
 
Truthfully? When the edge bites the skin of my finger on contact.

Finished grit? Between 1200 and 5000 with waterstones and 600-1200 with diamonds.

For test cuts I use some sort of paper or a rolled up paper towel. If it cleanly slices both it will do about anything needed.
 
I run the tips of my finger along the edge about 1/16" until it bites skin with light pressure. I also cut a cigarette but (the filter) at an angle to test. Newspaper is also another test for me.
 
I cannot put any pressure on my edge or even think about moving my finger.

8000 grit daily for about 10 seconds is all I need for sushi bar.
 
Shaving coarse facial hair.

Any old sharp can shave off leg hair but facial hair is much coarser and mire difficult to pop off, it won't happen until your knife is truly sharp.
 
I also use the paper test. I've heard a vey sharp knife will slice cleanly through cigarette paper.
 
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I'll touch the edge to the tip of my nose. When it's really sharp it feels like a 9 volt battery on your tongue.
 
Sharpnessis said:
I'll touch the edge to the tip of my nose. When it's really sharp it feels like a 9 volt battery on your tongue.
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You mean you don't touch it to your tongue? :D

In all seriousness though, I've never heard of anyone testing like this. Very interesting.
 
Honeslty, I just use magazine and printing paper, If it will slice those two materials well then it will most defientlly work for all my EDC chores
 
Also roll up magazine paper in a roll and diagonally cut the paper.

if its sharp it will NOT slide whatsoever.

when cutting through paper, I listen to the paper.

sure most knives will cut paper, my yanagi (single bevel sashimi knife) barely makes a noise cutting paper.
 
FTR-14c said:
Shaving and gliding through paper is fine but I like to feel the edge want to cling to my skin when I lightly drag my thumb across the blade.
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Yup,right on the money,that's my favorite way to tell if an edge is sharp enough,when it wants to dig in with just the slightest pressure of my thumb.:thumbup:
 
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