Quote Originally Posted by Magpie View Post
Just my own way of doing things, but I never use a lot of pressure when honing out a chip. And I also don't pressure the steel to see if a crack may present itself. That's a great way to cause a small crack to run, or to cause one where none existed before.
Having created more problems than pressure has solved, I now err on the side of caution.
Good luck with it!
Quote Originally Posted by robellison01 View Post
Agree 100%.
I don't. I see no problem using more pressure in the early stages of chip removal. It gets the job done faster and it poses no risk to the edge as I have not come close to forming the edge yet. As the bevel gets closer to completion I reduce the pressure accordingly.

The only time I distort the steel on a full hollow with my nail is at flea markets and antique stores as its my best means of checking the edge before purchase. Once I have them home I check them out under my microscope.