Objectifying edge quality

[Stanley Covington]

one should always endeavor to keep ones edges as sharp as possible, but no sharper.

Absolute genius. I need to have these words engraved on a brass plaque and mount it over my little shops door. Seriously.

I also like what James wrote: "Sharp is as sharp does." That summarizes the law and the prophets.

Sharpness is very like a Zen koan. Something very close to nothing.

The test I use is quick and subjective, but reliable. Similar to Prashun's method, I cut the callous on the side of my left index finger just a tiny bit. Not enough to touch any nerves or cause leakage, but enough tell without a doubt how well the blade cuts comparatively.

I hold the blade in my right hand and choke up on it, and rest the blade on my left index finger while moving the callous lightly against the blade. This way the blade is tightly controlled and there is no risk of cutting too deeply.

The fingernail check is almost, but not quite, as informative. In my experience.