Generally whenever the subject of breadknifing comes up there seems to be very strong advise against.

However I was considering this more today as I breadknifed an ERN. The razor had a small crack (approx. 1/16" deep) about half-way down the edge. Thinking logically I opted to breadknife as I didn't want to put any side pressure on the blade in case it caused the crack to grow.

My guess is that a few hundred passes 'normal' honing might be the worst thing you could do. By alternating pressure on each side of the blade so many times you could end up just 'chasing' the crack as the two 'halves' of the blade flexed.

The ERN is now has the bevel re-set ready for finishing tomorrow but I wondered what other's thoughts are on breadknifing in this particular situation? Has anyone noticed a crack growing, maybe right the way across? Maybe I was just being paranoid but alternating pressure cycles on highly hardened steels seems risky.