Thread: Half strokes is there a down side?

Hello I hone usually using half strokes (edge leading and trailing) I finish the particular hone im on with 10 x strokes. Im in the habit of it now. Is there a down side to honing like this? I see japanese honing and it is done the same way although kamksoris are a different animal.

I think you have to pick what works best for you. There is no single magical method although there are certainly some that work better and more consistently than others.

In my opinion, so long as you have and maintain an equal amount of pressure along the entire edge utilizing the stroke of your choice and you are achieving good results, then you should be good to go.

Have fun.

I sometimes do half strokes and I haven't seen any negatives with it. I agree with Lynn - If it works for you keep doing it.

James.

i have read that if you are honing spine leading, the duct tape swarf that comes off from the spine can get gunked up on the cutting edge. but you cant get better advice than Lynn

Not a negative if you pay attention, but you do have to be a bit more careful and cognizant that it is easier to create a frown...

Also just to clarify, there is a term "Half Stroke" that is used by the Coticule Crowd that is not quite the same as what we refer to as "Japanese style" or "Back and Forth style" their version of a Half Stroke is even easier to create a frown with...

Just some technical difference BS to confuse everyone with

Originally Posted by bombay

i have read that if you are honing spine leading, the duct tape swarf that comes off from the spine can get gunked up on the cutting edge. but you cant get better advice than Lynn

You just gave me another reason to hate tape! LOL.

Originally Posted by bombay

i have read that if you are honing spine leading, the duct tape swarf that comes off from the spine can get gunked up on the cutting edge. but you cant get better advice than Lynn

I'd recommend a different kind of tape. I use 3M heavy duty electrical tape. Regardless of the stroke type, there will be swarf on the stone from the previous stroke (but I have never had any ill effects from it).

As others have indicated, whatever method gets your blade to pass the shave test...

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Also just to clarify, there is a term "Half Stroke" that is used by the Coticule Crowd that is not quite the same as what we refer to as "Japanese style" or "Back and Forth style" their version of a Half Stroke is even easier to create a frown with...

Keeping a finger on the middle of the blade really helps create a frown.