Just a Quick question

[111Nathaniel]

Heard it said that if you get metal swarft right away on the 8000 grit then you should do some more strokes in lower grit. Wondering why this is the case? and is it a good indicator?

[pinklather]

You probably heard it from Sham (hi_bud_gl), who has a vid demonstrating how it should look. The 'why's are likely that the deeper scratches from the bevel setting stone have not been fully erased and are choking up the 8k. As to whether or not its a good indicator - I'm not qualified to say. The vid was on the Norton 4/8, and I don't think it applies to every stone of those grits. Those following Sham's prescription - I'm remembering posts from Disburden - have been glad they did. Unless there's some downside to the method that's not been talked about, I'd say you have nothing to lose, and a nice edge to gain.

[xMackx]

How fast you see swarf can differ from how hard the steel is from razor to razor and how much pressure you use.

[Kingfish]

I have heard this several times and admit that the concept is one I do not buy into all the way. For one thing if you did your work properly on the lower grits, you should not have to spend to much time on the 8k and therfore not kick up too much swarf, sort of like the "chicken or the egg" question.