Thread: Honing stroke speed

Hi,
Does the honing stroke speed have much effect on the resulting edge? I'm using a coticule and hone pretty darn slow....

All other things being equal, would the results on the edge from 50 slow strokes equal that of 50 fast strokes? Or is there some log function relating to speed on cutting abilty lurking somewhere...

-Chief

I honestly don't think the speed of your honing stroke matters. I can't prove it, but I doubt that 50 fast strokes vs. 50 slow strokes would have different results. The videos that you see of experienced honers honing very quickly (Bart comes to mind ) are only fast because they are comfortable going at that speed. I think technique is far more important than speed (much like stropping) and should focus more on proper technique (i.e. even pressure, keeping the blade flat, etc.). You're only more likely to blow the technique the faster you go. I saw just take your time, and speed will come naturally when you get more comfortable.

Even if a faster stroke does give better results when done properly, I say it's still better to do a few more quality strokes than less fast strokes where the technique can be lacking.

I try for smooth and consistent. I think that each person has to find the speed that is comfortable for them. Just IMHO.

I've thought about it before. It's easy to imagine a straight stroke; lineal inch is lineal inch- like increasing the speed on a belt sander. the faster you go the more you sand. When you are moving diagonally? my brain shuts off I can see it as the same(equally effective fast or slow) and not the same(there must be an ideal speed that allows each point along the continuum of the edge sufficient time and distance along the stone)

Honing is much like stropping, in that technique is the priority. If speed follows, that's fine, but it's more important to get the stroke right each time. A bad one can set you back a few laps.
The difference over stropping is that a quick lap over the hone will have the same effect as a slow one.

I would say yes, speed plays a part in it. It would depend on the tensile strength of the metal and the hardness. Do some razors hone faster than others? I don't think this is something you should be concerned with though. Also, you probably want to hone until the blades says it's done or ready for the next hone and not base your honing on the number of strokes. Stroke counts can be used for a reference but in the end it's the edge that says when to more on.

Good luck.

As everyone else said, I believe accuracy must comes first.

I do believe that if you want to make less-than-weight-of-the-blade strokes near the end of (each hone in) a progression, in order to get the best possible results, then you need to add some swiftness to your strokes. I believe that with a perfected stroke it is possible to get as much edge definition off an 8K hone than with a less than perfect stroke off a 12K hone. (grit rates purely for the sake of example)
Those who have read Seraphim's excellent post a few days ago have seen an illustration of this notion: http://straightrazorpalace.com/basic...r-example.html

The speed of my strokes (which I believe inspired this thread) came naturally with experience. But I think, as with stropping, it makes a difference to adopt a good method of turning the razor between thumb and index finger, with minimal or no wrist movement. I'm not saying a good stroke is not possible without it, I just think that my stroke naturally started to accelerate, because my method of turning a razor easily allows for it.

I always perform a number of slow strokes before I speed up. During those slow strokes I watch the wave of fluid in front of the edge and try to optimize the stroke. (aiming as much as possible for the fluid to run up the edge) Once I feel the motion is being locked in muscle memory, I can confidently speed up, but I regularly slow down to recheck.

I would regret if anyone was intimidated by the speed of my honing strokes in the videos I have shared. With some practice, anyone who can strop with speed, can also hone with speed. But you can get perfect results without much speed on either.

Best regards,
Bart.

Not to beat a dead horse here but like most guys said the speed isn't important its the accuracy. Just find a speed that's right for you.

I was hoping this was the case... else I'm sure I'd shear off a few fingers trying replicate some of these honing videos...



-Chief

Originally Posted by BHChieftain

I was hoping this was the case... else I'm sure I'd shear off a few fingers trying replicate some of these honing videos...



-Chief

Watching Bart hone is like watching Danny MacAskill ride a bicycle. It looks easy but don't try it unless you've got the chops.

YouTube - Inspired Bicycles Danny MacAskill