Thread: Circular motion honing

It's been used in knife sharpening for a while. Lynn demonstrates it the "meet" video.
Your basically doing little ovals. I've done it my rotation with good results, I've been doing it for years and years with knives, with fantastic results. I think it's great when used in conjuction with other strokes, back, X, etc...Variety is the spice of life...Right...!

I rarely use x strokes as I really like angled back and forth and circular strokes. I mean back and forth as Bart calles 1/2 x strokes.

I agree with others regarding even work on each side. I don't alternate between strokes. I do the same # on each side though (sets of multiple but equal per side). I believe the fewer lifts from the stone reduces the chance of rollling an edge. (up for debate)

I've been doing bevel setting as well as finishing with non alternating but equal work on each side while doing circular and angled back and forth on wide coticule.

I polish with lather as it feels great tactically to me. I find it easier controlling it on the stone as it adds a bid of suction.

Dovo uses circular strokes as stated by Arthur Boone on the knife center site. A video out on this site also shows Dovo using quick back and forth strokes. Granted factory edges leave some thing to be desired . I have been able to pop hairs without an x stroke. Luckily my wifes hair brushes give plenty of material for blade checks.
MikeB

All I have to say about circles is, thank you, Glen, for telling me about them and half-strokes