Hey,

I have a question for you analytical honing masters out there, and I have been having a hard time looking for the condensed answers throughout the vast supply of forum info out there. Thus, in short, I was wondering why and how does the pyramid work?

Before anyone answers I would like to explain myself a little bit better.

First, I understand the mechanics of the pyramid method: about switching back and forth between two different grits. So I'm not looking for answers of how to do the pyramid method, but rather what is happening to the metal as you are performing it, both as you progress to your next grit but most importantly returning to the courser grit.

Second, I already know that the method works, and that it is a foot in the door for us beginners on a tried and tested method in order to start the road down the art of honing. So please leave out the answers of "Just because it works" and "If it ain't broken don't fix it".

Third, I know that it keeps a person from overhoning. But what is technical meaning of overhoning, and how does going back to the courser grit prevent that from happening.

Forth, I have already read many posts that uses the phrase "Sneak up on the edge". And I know that once the edge has reached its pinnacle of sharpness, you do not want to go any farther on that grit lest you damage the edge and have to start again, but as with my previous point, how does going back to the courser grit allow you to sneak up on the edge.

Lastly, I want to understand only the pyramid method, not the progressive method. I am not looking for opinions on which is better or worse. This is just a knowledge base question to understand the practical application of the method. But please if you can help me to understand why the pyramid works by using references to the progressive, then by all means, please help me to understand.

Sorry if I sound a little anal, but I know that if I don't explain what I am not looking for, it would be a sure thing that I would get a world of answers that would be meaningless and not answering my question. And again this question is only about the theory and is knowledge based so that a better understanding may help me in the future produce better edges and answer some questions if I one day am asked the dreaded "Why?".

Thanks for everyone's input ahead of time.