Thread: Is honing really rocket science?

My contribution to this thread would be that "back in the day" just about everyone had a mentor living with them A.K.A. Dad. A lot of people now a days can't even sharpen a knife without a gadget or guide. When I was a kid it was a right of passage to be able to sharpen your knife. Want it sharper? Watch Dad, ask questions, and practice. Today people need all of this (youtube, forums, ect..) because there usually isn't someone in your house that can show you which is why a mentor is recommended so often on this site.

And no it isn't too difficult to learn depending on your skill set, expectations, time to practice, and equipment. In fact touching up a razor can be very easy. Setting a bevel and honing to shave ready is a bit more involved with time and equipment. Restoring and creating an edge and bevel and then setting it and honing up to shave ready is much more involved. Some people want to hone their first blade from bevel on up to an amazing DE blade sharpness and give up if they don't so expectations are a big part of the difficulty too. I destroyed some razors in the name of experience but you should see my first buck knife I sharpened. It is now a toothpick. Of course now I am more than happy with my knives and straight razors. Just my 2c plus some rambling.