[Ray Rogers]

Not getting any deflection could just mean the edge geometry is too thick. The reason we want to see deflection and recovery is because that is an indication that the edge is tough and resilient. We need the edge to be resilient because the edge and the primary grind above it need to be thin in order to cut and slice well. If a thin edge will demonstrate the ability to deflect and recover then it will survive hard use even though it is thin. Basically, the brass rod test tells us that we have made a well designed grind on our blades and not just a sharpened club ...