Thread: How do you hone?

Goc,

I always hold the stone in my hand, for both X-patterns and straight up and down laps; this prevents me from applying too much pressure when honing.

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

When setting bevels on the 1K level I am a big fan of using small circles (one handed) while moving down the length of the hone. It just helps set the bevel faster, imo, and you get the whole edge that way.

I use the X stroke other wise and I usually lead with the heal of the razor while doing so. It really depends on the condition of the razor, the strokes I feel comfortable using, etc. I also use a rolling X stroke so I am assure I am hitting the toe and heal of the razor while checking under magnification.

I've seen people use both hands to make sure the edge is completely flat on the hone but I don't do it myself, YMMY.

I just read through this and realized just how confusing all the different answers are to a new guy...

Here is the true trick to honing, The edge the spine and the stone all have to meet at the same time, and in the same line, for the razor to get sharp... This has to happen it an even, equal, and most importantly repeatable fashion 100's of time during the honing process...

You have to be able to have control of the blade edge at all times as you hone...The worst thing you can manage to do, is spend a good hour, setting the bevel, sharpening, and polishing, only to get tired and slide that thing off the edge of the stone at the finishing stage and get to start over again...