Originally Posted by
Lynn
The pigtail is that little curly q stroke at the end of an X stroke. To me it distributes the slurry back on the stone for the next stroke. Take a look at one of Glen's videos. I don't use is as for me, typically a decent X stroke will keep the slurry distributed across the stone and maintain the distribution as you change directions. Remember though that anything you pick up that works for you on a repeated basis is worth keeping in your arsenal, regardless of what any one else says or does.
The real keys here are not so much the tests through out the entire process of honing. Bevel setting is critical and using virtually no pressure as you finish out from at least the 8K, your finishing stone and paste or spray if you use it are the real keys for success. Typically if you're shave test is not where you want it to be, these are the culprits.
Have fun,
Lynn