Quote Originally Posted by Russel Baldridge View Post
We can break down the terminology into subsets with different labels (polishing, honing, refining, finishing, etc.), but the underlying goals are:

1) Form an edge
2) Make that edge usable for the context of the given tool

So, to me, sharpening ends at whatever grit you choose to use in forming the initial bevel and everything beyond that is polishing.
Nope not buying into that Russ. What I meant in response to Pondering Turtle regarding intent as a different subject is much what you are saying. Example: Depending on how you use a given stone you can produce a variety of finishes -that would be polishing.

It was said that beyond 2000 one is only polishing. As you pointed out, the dimension of the edge is continuously decreasing; you are trying to create a very thin, straight line of crystals- that is sharpening. I think if you looked up the definition what is referred to as "polishing" is perhaps the proper definition of honing

my list: 0-800+ ( erosion stone)
>1000-16000+ (cutting stone)
>20000-40000+(zen stone)

It's not even that big a deal, even to me. Even in the catalog fine stones are called "polishing" and "finish"

Ok now can we define: loading; glazing