Overhauling my technique

I had the oppertunity to watch someone else hone for the first time last Saturday. I had not been able to acceptably hone a smiling blade to this point. The person I watched held the hone in his left hand, and the rolling motion of his laps seemed much more natural to me because of it. I've tried it a couple of times since, and I'm happy to say that I have honed two smiling blades. The second was better than the first. I did cut myslef pretty good - the thumb on the hand holding the hone needs to stay below the hone surface (Doh!), but nonetheless, this works for me. I'm not sure yet if I intend to hone all blades this way or just the smiling ones.

DF, Bravo on getting together w/ someone to learn. That's the best part of the regional meet-ups. If you can possibly make it to one - its VERY worth the effort.

On hand holding the stone. It seems a preference, but one I like as well - even holding a 10.5"x2.75" coti combo. 'Seems to give alot more feedback. And, as you found - a little slip of concentration on where you keep your fingers - gives one a religious experience (oh god, oh god, oh god). 'Hope the cut was minor & heals fast. You prob. won't have to repeat that one again.

Congratulations on having someone to help you out! Continued success and be careful with those fingers.

Congrads. You will get it. There is nothing like seeing someone hone in person.



R

OutStanding!! Keep up the good work, your honing should get much better from now with some good instruction under your belt!!

tinkersd