Quote Originally Posted by GollyMrScience View Post
As a point for consideration.
Garnets suspended in slurry will have a different sharpening action than those locked in matrix.
As the blade moves across the stone of a locked matrix the garnet abrasion will be along the metal side facing the stone. So on one side of the blade.
When the garnets move up into a slurry you now have garnets working the edge facing the stone and garnets abrading the leading edge of the blade as they are pushed ahead and dragged under the edge during a honing stroke. You will still get the greatest abrasion on the side against the stone and subject to the weight of the razor but this leading edge abrasion may have a smoothing action on the leading edge that will affect the nature of the cutting action.
Can't speak to that as my experience has been with trying to stop that kind of abrasive action in industrial use.
Just observing and now formulating a test or two.
What fun!!
I agree with this, at least as far as my non-scientific observations go. So dry honing would involve using only the exposed parts of the garnets. Honing with plain water and no slurry might cushion the cutting effect of the garnets a bit, and lather would provide even more cushion.

Josh