Originally Posted by
pinklather
I LOVE your questions, Oni. Abductive (as opposed to inductive/deductive). Why is the question an issue in the first place?
The question comes from the way the properties of the stones are discussed vs how their use is described. Put another way: if we don't make use of grit breaking down and providing a finer finish, why do we consistently speak of grit that breaks down? Its has confused me in the past, and likely has confused others. Some discussion of working jnat slurry is mentioned from time to time, but not the thuri/escher. At the 9/11 NW meetup in Spokane, the honorable Sixgunner demonstrated the jnat finish and described a moderately extended set of strokes as being done just to break down the grit. That was the only time I've heard it mentioned explicitely, other than some discussion on other forums.
'Leads me to believe that grit break-down is mostly unused - for whatever reasons. Maybe its not needed because the stone it comes from is adequate to do the job without the extra steps & strokes, or that few blades actually need the extra step.
Again, Gents, I appreciate your kind help.