Thread: Missing the Edge

Originally Posted by bruseth

I did have a part of the blade that wasn't pushing water as well as the rest. I really didn't know what to do about that though. So, by needing 'a little attention', what should that attention be? Should I exert some pressure on the blade in that area? Then if I do that, I would keep on adding a bit of pressure to that same area through the rest of my progression?

If you get some time Howard, or anyone else for that matter, maybe you could let me know how to handle that part of the edge that isn't pushing water the way it should?

Thanks so much to you, Howard, and everybody else, for all the really great help you've been giving me. It's the next best thing to y'all actually being next to my side as I go along.

Thanks Again,

Kenny

Well it can be a couple of things. If it's at the toe or heel it could be you're not keeping the blade flat on the hone. If it's a spot between the ends, it can be an uneven grind or if the bevel is wide on one side and narrow on the other exact opposite...... maybe a warp.

For the inner spots, and you said its full hollow, put your index finger just above the edge portion that's missing contact and apply "gentle" pressure during a few x strokes or circles and see if that helps. It might take a few tries depending on the spot. You're not trying to put enough pressure to flex the blade. Modest pressure. Once you have that part making contact without the finger pressure you shouldn't have to continue with it the remainder of the honing.

Also, in general, pressure during honing especially on a full hollow is not bearing down on the blade edge and spine. It's holding the tang with the thumb and index or middle finger applying a slight twist, torquing the edge into the hone. And of course keeping the spine in contact with the hone. We're just talking a slight torque, not trying to roll the blade up.

Keep having fun!!

Howard