Thread: Sharper in the center than the toe and heel

Thanks guys. I'm pretty sure the blade is NOT smiling. It's a new Dovo Bismarck and initially honed by Lynn. Since then, I have only touched it up here and there and never reset the bevel.

Hi ECL,

Condensing the contents of this thread, would it not have been more fruitful to have started it in a way like this:

"Hi guys,
I own a brand new Dove Bismarck so the blade is per definition not smiling and was shipped to me after being honed by Lynn. However, bringing the blade to the stone I do not manage to obtain a straight edge. Might it be that I'm rubbing the blade on a bastardized stone?"
Teasing you!
Joost

The straight lap is not the only stroke for honing. You have to determine what stroke will cover the edge from heel to toe. I would try a heel leading stroke and rock it as you are honing. That will get the whole edge. Most blades are not completely flat and straight. Lift the toe while you are starting at the heel and watch the water displacement. That will tell you where you are on. Or use magic marker test.

I never used the rocking X-stroke. I feel the rocking worsens the smile. I use narrower hones, 1-2" width, instead.

Gssixgun told me correctly to use one side of the hone in a case like this and he was 100%, correct. I was considering cutting some hones.

Gentlemen,
It seems to me that we do not take proper notion of the subject and talk past each other. It is stated that the edge of the blade is right without any smiling. Then there remains in my humble vision nothing but looking to the properties of the stone. And a brand new Dovo, straight as an iron - if ever - has no other need than a simple flat stone and simple strokes performed by a simple shaving man. I'm such a man.

Joost

and apparently I am not such a man because I am struggling and looking for advice...

Originally Posted by joostmoree

Gentlemen,
It seems to me that we do not take proper notion of the subject and talk past each other. It is stated that the edge of the blade is right without any smiling. Then there remains in my humble vision nothing but looking to the properties of the stone. And a brand new Dovo, straight as an iron - if ever - has no other need than a simple flat stone and simple strokes performed by a simple shaving man. I'm such a man.

Joost

Well the blade appears to not be sharp except for in the center. The advise I gave you was valid IMO as the blade is not hitting the hone equally at certain areas of the blade. So I would do what I am telling you if it was my blade. It only follows the edge of the blade and that is necessary to hone this one, or if you keep honing the blade flat, you will remove a lot of metal in the center to eventually get to the heel and toe. Its your blade and choice of course and I feel Im giving you the best advice. Others know much more than me though.