Quote Originally Posted by randydance062449
I really like this thread! Thanks for taking the time and doing all this work!
Usually I have to use a 1000 stone to remove the old, weakened steel and get to steel that has not been affected by the oxidation and establish a new edge. If I don't then the edge simply goes to hell at some stage in the honing process. Either the bevel develops small chips at the finer grits levels or it simply will not develop an edge because the edge is soft from the oxidation and crumbles making it somewhat "rounded" and rough.
Just my two cents,
Yes! Yes! I am sure that is what was happening to me. It had to be! I posted my last post before I read this, but I came to this conclusion exactly. I am glad to hear this from someone else. I believe I had some bad steel at the very edge that kept getting chipped as I worked it. What do you think of the latest pic?

Thanks!