In learning a new finisher, I discovered some reasons for having chronic issues with the toe of a blade not being as keen as the rest. I can recover the keenness with some circle strokes, but that's compensating for a flawed stroke.

I found that I have trouble keeping the edge flat on the stone at the end of a return stroke where the majority of the edge has passed off the stone, leaving only 1/2-3/4" of edge left remaining at the end of the x-stroke. I don't know if this flaw is common or not.

I first helf a stone in one of the stone holding fixtures, and found an improvement when I began holding the stone in my hand. I'm currently experimenting with keeping my stroking elbow high - parallel to the floor - which is only comfortable for a short to medium length of time. A slow stone will take more strokes than I can keep the elbow up comfortably. I expect that practice with the high elbow will strengthen the arm in that position - which I'll continue working.

I don't know if there are any other techniques or tricks to keeping the blade flat at the end of the stroke. Any thoughts you can share would be appreciated. Many Thanks in advance.