Originally Posted by
FatboySlim
Yes, when learning, I found honing to be absolutely mentally draining, and frustrating. I thought, "How could I be focusing this intently on something, and not getting results?"
Then, I got my first razor shaving sharp, and it was on. My next goal was "How sharp can I get this thing, really?" Once I passed the mental "sound barrier" of knowing I could do it once, I knew I could do it again.
I was a happy camper for a while, getting razors sharper and sharper, then ego started to intrude. If I got stuck, I was beside myself.
Now, I have simply accepted that I go in cycles, and let it go. I hone all the time, because I love it and it relaxes me. It's completely addicting. When I'm in a down cycle, nothing is sharp enough. But when I'm on, I can run through finishing 3 or 4 razors in 30 minutes to a level a sharpness that I'm very, very happy with. I will likely never be a honemeister, because of my inconsistency in my feel for the steel. But I enjoy it every time.
Smiling razors are the hardest for me, but the easiest for me to get into a trace state with. Watching the water roll along the length of the edge as I hone, back and forth. No change, no change, no change, then WHAM! Stupid sharp! I love that surprise, every time. Yep.