Thread: When to move one from 4K level

So, the job of the 1k bevel set is to reshape the bevels, so they are flat, from heel to toe, in the same plane, meeting at the edge fully, and at the correct bevel angle.

The 4k or any stone after the “bevel set,” is where you transition from shaping/grinding to polishing and straightening the edge.

It is the second most important stone and the quality of the finish it produces, will reflect on the finished edge.

Begin the 4k with circles and a bit of pressure, to remove as much of the deep 1k stria and finish with X strokes, to lay down an even 4k stria pattern. Any deep stria that reaches the edge, will cause you finishing issues, chips or weak edge, so spend as much time as needed.

Often new honers will move up, then see stria after the 8k. That is stria that was missed and a quick trip back to the 4k will clean it up.

The goal is to remove all the deep 1k stria, or at least, the deep stria that reach the edge. 60x magnification will help you see what is happening on the bevels.

Jointing the 1k edge and re-setting it on the 4k will also help in straightening the edge, which is the goal of all the stones, after a 1k bevel set.