Thread: Is using circles at every progression a good thing?

I have been using circles when honing in the lower grits but is it wise to use circle strokes when one gets into the higher gits? It is certainly great when setting a bevel.

Later,
Richard

I've used circles with my finishers, particularly if I want to generate a natural slurry release. I do always go back to at least a few linear laps at the end because I like uniformity. But honestly I cannot see how it would make a huge difference at finishing grits . May be it is worth trying it out for yourself to see what happens.

James.

I find ultra-light circles to be indispensable when using a Jnat (followed by x-strokes), but I tend to prefer half strokes for bevel setting/early honing. Probably just personal preference, though.

Originally Posted by PA23-250

I find ultra-light circles to be indispensable when using a Jnat (followed by x-strokes), but I tend to prefer half strokes for bevel setting/early honing. Probably just personal preference, though.

That was, in particular, what I was wondering about. I have a very fast cutting finisher J-Nat and using circles would just give me a tool in my box to use on some razors that have very hard steel. I use Nagura above 1K now and using circles at each jump also makes a certain amount of sense.

Thanks,
Richard

Originally Posted by PA23-250

I find ultra-light circles to be indispensable when using a Jnat (followed by x-strokes), but I tend to prefer half strokes for bevel setting/early honing. Probably just personal preference, though.

what is a half-stroke?

There is a Stroke that I find indespensible when working slurry on a finisher..

I first saw it on a video of Liam the barber working a Coticule, I named it the "pigtail stroke" because that is what the pattern in the slurry reminds me of..

If you search it out on here I think you might like it,, I show it on a few of my vids too

g

I use circles on every rock. I use them more if a section appears to be lagging behind. I may be full of fertilizer (won't be the last time), but my thinking is that there's a minute high spot or low spot keeping that section behind. The lateral portion of the circle, not unlike the 45 deg heel-leading x-stroke, seems to work a high spot and reconnect adjacent section. If water was not being properly undercut, the circles usually take care of that.

Circles followed by X strokes is a deadly tool to have in your arsenal. This technique is extremely consistent and with varied pressure on different stones, most effective. I mainly use the circles on the 1K and 4K for every day honing, but when fine tuning an edge on the higher grit and natural stones, you can really dial in. I like to use 5-10 no pressure circles with slurry followed by 5-10 no pressure X strokes on my J-Nats, Escher and Coticules followed by the same on just water. I can further dial in following either regiment with just 3-5 X strokes. The more you get used to no pressure on the higher grits, the more benefits you should start to see in your edges and feel in your shaving.

Have fun

I use circles on all stages of honing, I really like them on slow naturals when one has to do many laps to get good edge refinement trough nice slurry breakdown.
I combine that with finishing x-strokes and the results are great.

I like the x stroke because it makes the entire length of the blade pass over the whole surface of the hone. Haven't tried on 8k or finishers but will try today. Can circles be done on smaller hones like 6x1.5?

Michael