A Noob & His Hone.

It does make it nice.
Ive done a few that way.Attachment 205499Attachment 205500

Great story Crawler. Now all of your friends are sure that you are nuts.

I agree with having the scales on when you hone. It effects the balance. If I'm honing a razor sans scales, I tape on a couple whittled down tongue depressors to take their place.

Everyone chooses his way to do things. I don't think there is a wrong way in honing as long as it works for you. It was interesting to read how you can Hone with a 12K stone. I think this is called out of the box thinking and action. :)