Thread: honing pyramid for naniwas

What is the purpose of a pyramid?

Originally Posted by hardheart

What is the purpose of a pyramid?

I believe it is that a novice is less likely to overhone than with a progressive routine. More importantly as Lynn say,"It works."

To be honest, I have no expertise or special knowledge about pyramid sequences of honing. However, in my honing experience before I started reading about pyramid sequences, possibly I was using the technique to some degree already.

I use a microscope a lot to view the results of honing. Because of what I saw happening at the edge, namely an edge that appeared "fragile" or too thin, I started backtracking a hone level and breadknifing very gently. With no more pressure than the weight of the blade, and usually less (from me lifting on the blade a little), I would ensure the edge was straight and not too thin looking. Would hone a few strokes, and then go back to honing on the previous (smaller grit) hone I had been using previously.

For me, going back one hone level, even when I didn't GENTLY breadknife the edge, seemed to give a more robust edge that took to the final stropping and shaving better.

I suspect the above relates to why pyramid honing schemes work. But, again, maybe not.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

When Lynn showed me a method to use the Naniwa's, he didn't show me a pyramid. We started with the 1k, then to the 3k, then I think 5k, 8k, and 12k. On the 1k, we did 40 circles on each side with a firm stroke and then 10 nomrmal strokes. This was repeated until the bevel was set. On the 3k, we did 40 circles with a firm stroke and then 10 normal strokes. On the next ones (I think 5k then 8k), 40 light circles and 10 light strokes. On the 12k, 10 light strokes. Then 10 light strokes on felt charged with .5 micron diamond. Any set can be repeated if you're not happy with where the edge is, but I don't think I ever had to repeat once I got the hang of the firmness on the lower end.

EDIT: 8K might have been just 10 regular strokes, like on the 12k; to be honest, I don't remember.

Personally, I don't like pyramiding, because in my mind, one should go as far as a given hone can take you before moving on. For that reason, I like the circles and passes method described above. Oh yea, and this method worked, too. Very well.

Do you still use the circle honing method? How do know when you've taken a hone as far as you can?