So, while the power was out this week and with nothing else to do, I tried using my new "alleged" Escher/Thuringian on a few blades.

Anyway, what I found was that the basic X pattern was a little awkward at first, but I think I got the hang of keeping the blade flat on the surface of the hone despite how narrow it is.

What concerned me, however, was that I could not see any slurry or swarf developing on the surface of the hone, no matter how many strokes I went through (25-40 for most blades). My razors are already basically shave ready, so I didn't notice any difference in either HHT or TPT, and it seems like the only way to tell whether I was making any difference was by shaving with them. Well, the blade I used yesterday felt great, but did I make any difference in the sharpness by polishing with my stone? I can't tell.

To put it in simple terms, am I supposed to see slurry or swarf develop on the surface of the stone when I use an Escher/Thuringian to polish? And how can I tell whether I am making any difference in the sharpness of the blade or when I am supposed to stop the polishing? Thanks!