Thread: Multiple strokes in one direction?

Hello! I'm in the beginning stages of learning to hone and am slowly getting more comfortable with the mechanics, but I notice that I tend to get more fluid, even strokes when I make multiple passes in one direction. That means that I'm making say 10 strokes away from me one the hone before flipping the razor and making 10 strokes towards me.

Is there anything inherently wrong with that technique that I'm overlooking? I've watched several of the honing videos on Youtube and have tried to read all that I can, but I don't think that I've seen that specific issue addressed.

I believe there is problems with micobevels forming each time you lift the blade. Probably some issues with exerting the an equal amount of pressure as well.

I'm sure the experienced guys will point out in much better detail what's wrong with it, if indeed there is anything!

Maybe its one of those things that if its working go with it?

Please clarify if you don't mind - are you saying that your honing stroke is better when you know you are about to make 9 more honing strokes in the same direction than when you know you are not going to?

Or is it that the first stroke never feels right, but the 10th stroke does? If that is the case, I would recommend continuing to practice honing with the intent to gradually reduce the number of unidirectional strokes you need in order to feel comfortable down to one.

Finishing the razor's honing with several strokes on one side may be somewhat problematic, but I think the main issue you want to correct is getting a good stroke each and every time. Once you have that, you won't *need* to hone 10 strokes one-way each time

You've discovered what few of us seasoned veterans have not... a way to save time by reducing the careful flipping maneuver. Congrats. But you'll lose that time when you discover an unsightly burr staring back at you under the microscope when you wonder why the razor isn't getting cutting smooth.

Check out the technique for honing with a coticule here http://www.coticule.be/home.html. The stroke you are using is called a half stroke. It works fine on a small coticule like mine (1 5/8"x4") and narrow coticule bouts. Also check out the honing videos by gssixgun, he doesn't always used the same number of stroke each way or rely on numbers, he goes mostly by feel. I have learned a lot watching his videos and produce better edges, the man is a honing guru............

Point taken. I think that I'm getting more consistent strokes after doing a few strokes in that same direction, but then again, its also somewhat of a workaround of a needed skill anyway. Thanks.

I think it might actually be more difficult to get consistent strokes by repeating them in the same direction. All you have to do at the end of one stroke is flip the blade on the spine and it will be ready and in the proper position for the return stroke. When you are repeating the strokes as you described, then you have to bring the blade back to its original position and lay it flat on the hone. I think that is actually more complicated and difficult than just flipping the blade at the end of the stroke.