leaving marks on my 4K/8K, ok or problem?

I'm just learning so bear with me

I've been practicing on my X stroke but my 8K (yellow side) is getting black markings in an X formation but one side more than the other. I know you don't need to do the X on a Norton because of it's width but I would like to learn the X technique. I just lapped both sides following the tutorial in the Wiki, so I think that is ok.

I try to cut under the water so it evenly covers the blade at all times but it seems the last 1" or so isn't cooperating.

Is this a common harmless occurrence or is this a definite sign of improper technique?

Thanks

mark,

Are the black marks being left on the side of the hone closest to your hand holding the blade? It happens that way for me unless I'm paying attention to the stroke as there seems to be a natural tendency to put a bit more pressure on the end of the blade closest to your fingers 'cuz that's where the weight is that you're not supposed to be putting on the blade. :cry:

Try putting your pinky under the the scales to give a hint of a lift; this will help transfer a bit of the force that you're not supposed to be exertiing on the razor to the tip and may help you leave a broader black swarf trail on the hone. :)

Good honing,

Thanks, that marking on the edge is pretty much always there. I hadn't even noticed that. I was so worried about my stone being flat enough.

When you mentioned the scales and pinky. I'm not sure if I'm holding it right. I hold just the blade by the hinge area of course, like a mini butcher knife with my 1st 2 fingers and my thumb. I might not be using the right terminology.

Is that alright?

I have a bunch of razors in varying condition and I just honed and stropped (with a newspaper wrapped 2 x 4 ) 2 razors to HHT passing condition. The bottom edge was the last part to pass on both occasions. It's quite a feeling seeing the hairs just pop in half. I'm so hooked on this hobby.

Now I just have to learn to shave.

How you're holding it should be just fine. It's just a matter of getting a feel for it so that you have even pressure (or lack thereof) all the way from toe to heel on both the spine and edge. After you get very comfortable with that you can try "advanced techniques" like biasing the weight about 60%/40% on the edge/spine.