Thread: Sharpening Experiment, anyone?

I have seen many comparisons between hones and most of them always try to create one stable factor, the number of strokes. The number of strokes on every hone is the same.

I've always thought that was the silliest way to compare hones I could ever think of. Always makes me wonder if the person doing the testing knows anything about hones or honing at all.

Its like, lets drive 10 cars at 55 mph and see which one is the fastest.

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

I have seen many comparisons between hones and most of them always try to create one stable factor, the number of strokes. The number of strokes on every hone is the same.

I've always thought that was the silliest way to compare hones I could ever think of. Always makes me wonder if the person doing the testing knows anything about hones or honing at all.

Its like, lets drive 10 cars at 55 mph and see which one is the fastest.

I like to shoot for the number of strokes on a hone Alan. Even though most times I get a ball park and the different hones produce a different amount of strokes, I like to see if I can get some consistency with each particular hone. Personal opinion only.

Lynn

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

I have seen many comparisons between hones and most of them always try to create one stable factor, the number of strokes. The number of strokes on every hone is the same.

I've always thought that was the silliest way to compare hones I could ever think of. Always makes me wonder if the person doing the testing knows anything about hones or honing at all.

Its like, lets drive 10 cars at 55 mph and see which one is the fastest.

That is so true!

I have come to the conclusion that the answer to everything sharpening is "it depends".

There are so many variables, as mentioned in the posts thus far, and many more, including folklore (which includes curses, voodoo, amulets, potions, etc...), nationalities, the phase of the moon, wind speed and blood type (both of the user and sharpener).

And don't even get me started on political and religious affiliations vs. sharpening...

This is why I love the art of sharpening so much. Every tool requires it's own solution, and you can't get complacent, no matter how much you think you know. (I suppose I say that because I think I look like a sharpening fool when I post questions, blog entries that show my incompetence or want to do my little experiments)

BTW, I hope your procedure goes well, Lynn, and that you have a speedy recovery! It would be funny if you brought your own razor for them to shave the area....(maybe they have wireless in the hospital, too....)

Joel on B&B has extensively written about his honing experiments, IIRC he bought 12 identical DOVOs and started honing them on various mainly natural hones.

Joel on B&B has extensively written about his honing experiments, IIRC he bought 12 identical DOVOs and started honing them on various mainly natural hones.

Kees,

I checked that out before. It is an excellent, objective post, and it answered a lot of questions that I have. But, as a sharpener, nothing compares to what I will learn by doing it myself. I also have the luxury of choosing between Shapton pros and glass, which is really what I want to know. How will each blade respond, and is there one better suited for this specific task?

Thanks!