A device and method are disclosed for testing the abrasion quality of a magnetic recording member to cause recording head wear. A magnetic recording member to be tested is moved past a dummy recording head, the smoothness of which has been determined before the head is contacted with the magnetic recording surface. After a predetermined contact between the dummy head and the tape, the smoothness of the head is again determined which is a direct function of the abrasion characteristics of the tape. The smoothness of the dummy head is determined by means of a non-contact photonic sensor which converts reflective light from the surface of the head into a specific voltage output.