Thanks for all the info jake! I actually have that exact piece of granite pretty sure it's from woodworking as well. I think as I move along I might end up getting a coticule everyone seems to really like them and the edges you can create with them not just you. Now it's to the Wikis for me to brush up on all the basics so I don't destroy my blade first try! good news is I still have my free honing coupon from SRD so they should be able to help me out if it gets too bad!