Khaos,
Thanks for the plug to my blog! I read, and understand what you are saying. Let me just start by saying that I'm glad I'm not the only one who like to analyze sharpening! No matter what anyone says here, keep thinking, and even if some ideas don't fly, you at least challenged us to think and talk about sharpening.:rock:
Part of me was thinking that you are over analyzing sharpening a little. It will never fit into a formula - and that's the beauty of it. The idea that a sharpening medium could be tailored to compliment the exact metallurgic make up of a tool is far beyond cost effective - as amazing as it would be if it were possible - because, again of all the variables, too many to get into. Variations of personal preferences alone is enough to throw things off. If you Talk to Howard, there is also flex and the effect of atmospheric conditions (and the spin of the earth :D) One could even argue that the microbes, sediments, or metals suspended in the water come into play. (We don't drink tap water in Taiwan, BTW).
However, for prop.1, I think if you were using a tumbler or ultrasonic cleaner, you could be on to something. The right material at the right frequency could result in faster results and/or better finishes (polishes) on different types of steels (or you could ruin your mom's best cookware). If the frequency is too high or low it would cause turbulence that cancels out the effectiveness of the vibrations. In music its called a wolf tone (I have a degree in music BTW). If you divide the frequencies in half, you get the same pitch, just at a higher or lower octave, which intensifies the number of overtones, or vibrations that are are sync. This makes sense - but not for sharpening on a stone, I'm afraid.
Prop 2. I think that is along the lines of what I was thinking. Your second to last stone is really the one that establishes the final grooves in the edge, while the last one smooths over the peaks. Otherwise, the final stone will make new peaks and valleys.
But your prefect point must be established before 4K (I would even venture to say before 3K), otherwise it will take an awful long time to get one.
Prop. 3. Price and availability are big factors when purchasing stones. As people get better at sharpening and are ready to "step up", they buy what they can afford. Why spend money on 2 of the same grit stones? Some people can sleep at night mixing and matching their equipment. Others like consistency. Shapton, King and Norton, to name but a few, offer this consistency even though their consistency is not necessarily consistent with other brands. Only when people get serious (like us) do they get picky about the consistencies and the results their stones get. Also, people go with what's popular or what is suggested to them by pros. With no disrespect to Lynn, but if Lynn said that he uses the bottom of a greasy 8lb cast iron skillet loaded with CrO2 for a strop, wouldn't you do it, or at least think about doing it?:bow
Prop 4. Natural stones will have variations and anomalies. Their grading system is not as exact as synthetic stones. In general, I would have to say that a good sharpener will get results on any set up (provided it is reasonable - i.e. not trying to jump from #320 to 8K) although he or she may prefer either naturals or synthetics over the other. It comes down to understanding sharpening, and how the stones work and respond in relation to what you are trying to achieve. That can take time to learn, even on synthetics.
Prop 5. I think this is a question of abrasive material. It is perfectly acceptable to go from 1K to 6K on a kitchen knife (which is what I do), but just like prop 1, halving the size of the abrasive is mathematically more sound:), but may be unnecessary for actual cutting action. I'm not sure how to word what I want to say here, but when doubling the grit, it may not be the "best" or most economical solution. I think after a 1k, if you can use a 3k or 2k, which one is then more "correct"? If you use the 3k, it may be a waste to use the 2k instead. DMT #1200 jumps to 8k, for example. (If someone knows what I am trying to say here, and can say it better, please do)
And lastly,
Its okay to admit that you don't have the stones to become a honemister.:rofl2::roflmao:rofl2:Quote:
Now, I'm no honemeister, nor do I have any stones or anything.
Great post! Keep thinking!