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Dan, "you" don't keep it flat. It either lays flat on the stone or it does not. If it does that is swell but if not you manipulate the blade , such as the rolling x or a variation thereof, to contact...

I don't like to have magic marker stains along the length of the blade, practice or not. YMMV. If it doesn't bother you wiping it off is optional.

Dan, take a little lighter fluid on a paper towel and carefully wipe off any excess marker. If you're more careful than I am you may only get it in the honing area but I tended to get it up above...

Dan, just FYI, when I began fooling with honing I messed with razors that I wouldn't even consider buying today. Something like what you've got there I would either send to Lynn to hone so I would...

To start with I would advise using one layer of electrical tape until you get more "chops" when it comes to honing. This way you won't cause undue wear on the spine while you're in the learning...