Quote Originally Posted by heavydutysg135 View Post
The argument against backhoning is that the metal particles that are being honed off get trapped and accumulate under the edge causing microchipping/damage of the fine edge that you are trying to create. This does not happen with edge leading honing because the metal particles are pushed out of the way. Dr. Verhoeven's (spelling could be wrong) scientific article explains it very well.
I have heard it said over and over that backhoning is not the proper way to hone! The explanations never quite made any sense to my way of thinking. I have occasionally backhoned towards the end of honing with no apparent ill effects (just lucky I guess). That being said, this is the first explanation that has made any sense to me!
Thanks David!!