Thread: Half Stroke?

I call them Japanese strokes or chisel strokes. They're effectively fairly similar to the circle strokes that have become so popular in the past year.

So presumably these strokes could be used instead of circles where significant metal removal is required for whatever reason, bevels, restoration etc

I would not presume that, you are going to have to mess with both and decide for yourself on a razor by razor situation...

I use Japanese strokes as part of pre-bevel re-creation... I use circles as part of honing to set a real bevel just like Lynn showed us all...

I am also reluctant to the part about sticking a finger on top of the blade, that just is not a good idea, in general selective pressure like that is used to push a odd blade into compliance with the hone, it again is used selectively not as a standard system...
My thoughts on honing differ greatly with those of Coticule.bf but you have to understand they are a small specialized group... We at SRP try and give info that works in general and for all honing system not just one... Or we take the time to break it down an explain each specialized application..

Originally Posted by gssixgun

I would not presume that, you are going to have to mess with both and decide for yourself on a razor by razor situation...

I use Japanese strokes as part of pre-bevel re-creation... I use circles as part of honing to set a real bevel just like Lynn showed us all...

I am also reluctant to the part about sticking a finger on top of the blade, that just is not a good idea, in general selective pressure like that is used to push a odd blade into compliance with the hone, it again is used selectively not as a standard system...
My thoughts on honing differ greatly with those of Coticule.bf but you have to understand they are a small specialized group... We at SRP try and give info that works in general and for all honing system not just one... Or we take the time to break it down an explain each specialized application..

This is valid point. Coticule.be is about trying to maximize the efficiency of coticules. That's the bottom line. While other stones are discussed and appreciated, there is just not enough expertise there outside of coticule honing to make broad application.

I actually have incorporated putting my finger on the spine while doing half-strokes. It works very effectively for me, but I prefer coticule honing. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for other systems. It's been a long long time since I've used other stones anyway, so I don't recommend much of anything concerning them

I was first introduced to half-strokes by Glen, and they've been a consistent part of my honing arsenal (as have circles).

With or without a finger on the spine/blade, I like half-strokes when setting a bevel because they allow for greater speed. Of course you need to be very careful that your stroke remains even. Which is why I start out slowly, then pick up speed.