Quote Originally Posted by ForestryProf
Rather than heavy(er) pressure on a 4K, I move to a 1K until the edge is adequate for 'normal' 4K honing. Rather than really working on an edge with heavy pressure on a 1K (circles or whatnot) to build an edge or remove a deep nick, I do the unthinkable (to some). I actually go to the 220 grit side of the hone--again, at a light but constant pressure.
High pressure is never good. It causes the edge to lift up so your're actually honing or stropping some location back from the edge. What good does that do?

But as long as you don't go too far, pressure variation is good because it gives you more of a continuum of cutting action. There's big jump from a 1K to a 4K at the same pressure.

I like a coarser stone when needed, but I find anything coarser thana 1K is just too fast. It cuts too fast and leaves a roughness in the edge that just makes more work later on.