OK, guys, let's not get too fiesty. Nenad, your contributions are certainly welcome, and you've already got me thinking about trying 1000-grit sandpaper again. (When I was getting started, it wasn't working too well for me, and I bought a 1K waterstone. But now maybe I should give it another shot.)

I'm hoping this thread will give me a chance to ask some in-depth questions with one or two honemeisters, with supporting comments and questions from other members. I want to explore their techniques in some detail and see if I can figure out some of the things that put them in a different league.

But by all means, others should feel welcome to participate. (I do want to keep any arguments to a minimum; maybe everyone won't agree with all of Joe's responses, but he clearly knows what he's doing. )

If Joe's game, this should be enjoyable.