Thread: Why does the Pyramid method works???

Originally Posted by bluesman7

As an experiment I plan on seeing if I can reach a higher refinement by going 800> 3k>8k>3k>8k instead of just a normal progression of 800> 3k>8k. I don't plan on a specific lap count but will be using magnification.

Yeah let me know how that goes. I don't have much when it comes to magnification other than a 20x loupe unless I take the time to bring my razor to work to use the lab microscope (a real 400x), which would be terribly inefficient unless I can convince my boss to let me take it home temporarily. But I would say that the end refinement might be a little better if what we are thinking is true that the pyramid creates more of a gradual step to the final stone rather than the progression method. Because what I'm thinking is that the pyramid takes out most of the guess work of knowing when to stop lapping, unlike on the progression method where you learn by experience and/or observing the edge to know when to stop.

Or the pyramid at least makes it harder to overkill (overhone) the edge, if the inexperienced honer doesn't know when too many laps is too many and causes the edge to break off because they have honed it too thin. I'm thinking this because say you do 25 to 30 laps on a 8K and all that was needed was 15 or 20 that edge can be easily broken off and dull the edge, but if you are going back and forth from courser to finer during your pyramid method progression, you might be keeping that super fine "micro-burr" at bay. Or as in hunting, its easier to sneak up on a deer to make a shot rather than running up on it, stopping and making the shot. In the former you have more time to aim and place your shot because you haven't spooked the deer, while the latter is either hit or miss.

Now when I say this, I am taking into consideration Lynn's philosophy of less laps is more. Because its just common sense that if you do 150 laps (or whatever is too much), that too much is too much no matter what method you use. I'm just saying that an explanation for the pyramid being great for beginners is that by going back to the courser grit causes the dreaded overhoned edge more at bay more so than the progression method does. Because though the progression method will get you a nice fine edge in less strokes, the pyramid will get you there also but is also a lot more forgiving to the honer.

As another analogy, which is easier to wreck a car? Teaching a student driver how to drive by placing them on the Grand Prix at 100mph or on a gentle curvy back road going 15 mph. One is much more forgiving than the other.

What are y'alls (can you tell I'm from the South) thoughts on the matter?