Thanks for the good yet simple idea. I didn't have to go out and buy a diamond, ruby, or anything exotic!

I took another blade that had a big chunk out of it and ran it along the one in question. No scratches and/or change in the area in question.

I agree that this blade is not of the quality to send to someone else but then that is my idea in practicing on it. I have a couple I won't touch until I feel more comfortable. I bought a Henckels after work today that is pretty clean and would be a good candidate to send to someone else for honing. But I would have a hard time spending twice as much for honing as I paid for it originally. That said, I understand the thought of getting a "good" one to compare to.

Thanks again

Tim