tompítás

Tompítás is a Hungarian term that denotes the act of dulling or blunt­ing an edge or point. The word comes from the verb tompítani, meaning to dull, blunt, or soften. In practice, tompítás refers to reducing the sharpness of a blade, tool, or other edged item, often to increase safety, alter performance, or prepare for a specific use. It is distinguished from élezés, which means sharpening.

Common contexts for tompítás include kitchen and workshop tools such as knives, chisels, and saw blades, where a controlled dulling of the edge may be desired for safety or handling reasons. It can also occur in manufacturing or maintenance settings when a device requires a less acute edge or a smooth, burr-free surface. The process is typically achieved through abrasive methods or mechanical treatment designed to reduce sharpness to a specified level, rather than to remove all edge material.

Appropriate tompítás depends on the intended use and the tool’s geometry. Improper dulling can introduce edge defects, create burrs, or change the tool’s performance in undesirable ways, so it is commonly followed by inspection and, if necessary, re-sharpening to restore functionality. In everyday language, tompítás can also be used metaphorically to describe a reduction in intensity or impact, not limited to physical edges.