Thread: Help with fine tuning.....

Hi Barry,

Sorry didn't mean to confuse you. I will have a chance to check out that thread and try and fix the confusion tonight.

I won't even discuss the x pattern and luckily Sham has taken that one on. Four or five years ago I would have taken the time to explain that one, but I'm done with the persuasive writing. As Sham has said "it works". Also, be a little willing to think outside the box. Just because we say an "X pattern" doesn't mean it has to replicate an X exactly. It can be more vertical or more elogated. I would almost say that my x pattern is more like pulling the razor downward and flipping then running the blade lengthwise down the hone.

Now to solve your problem, and without getting too advanced, I'm going to just be truthful with you. The concentration of contact isn't on the hone at all. It is under the scales and created by the pinky. Hold the shank between index finger and thumb, place your pinky under the razors scales and lift slightly. Now the razor can not lift off the hone and remains flat while moving down the hone. If there is any point of contact pressure on the blade it'll get screwed up.

I'll reply again tonight, late. You can PM me anytime you want. We can talk on the phone or whatever. Feel free to call me on any posts that confuse you. Lets agree that we won't dig up any posts from say, over 5 years ago though, because my views on honing changed a little with practice.

Ahhh . . . I just checked out that thread. It is from a little while back ('06). Can you send me a PM and tell me where I confused you? There is a big difference sometimes in generic threads that I started and when I reply to an individual. They often have differing purposes. Again, sorry for the confusion.

Alan