Thread: How to get the best out of your hone.

I don't find it natural to hone with one hand only and guide the blade with my spare hand. I can do it, but I prefer to guide the blade.

No I don't apply extra pressure, but I suppose the presence of my fingers on the blade means the stroke is not as light as a stroke without fingers present.

So for my final polishing on any hone, I make the hone surface very slippery by applying liquid soap and water. The result is the hone surface becomes very slick and in addition it sucks the blade onto the hone allowing for the gentlest and lightest honing imaginable.

I honestly believe that this process allows the hone to finish the edge to the maximum level of sharpness that the hone can impart to the edge.

If you are a little heavy handed or at least you think you may be, I would strongly recommend that you try this method.