Some folks use the the fingernail test to see if their iron is sharp. While cleaning up a small piece of wood, I accidentally did the finger nail test with my Stanley 9-1/2. I was holding the wood with one hand and planeing with the other. It took a slice out of my nail without slowing down. I'm glad that I had it set to a fine cut.  .....Carl 2003

Note the mirror finish on the blade. I use Norton waterstones and finish with an antique barber's strop to provide a mirror finish.