Counting Strokes

[Rhodies]

I see this brought up a lot in YouTube Video's and of course it makes since to even a Noob like me but I see some of these guys who are stroking their knives across their stone like there is no tomorrow and yet they are counting strokes, how? Maybe I am looking at the reprofiling the edge when your looking for that burr versus the actual sharpening stage?

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Counting strokes is a waste of time; especially if attempting a full regrind to a sharp edge. Look for the burr along the full length of the edge (formed from both sides), to tell you when the edge is apexed. There's literally no logical reason to count passes, as everything you need to know will come from watching the edge for the burr. That's all that matters.

There are way too many variables affecting progress to a full apex to accurately gauge it by counting passes. The steel type and hardness, the size & thickness of the blade, the stone used (it's abrasive, it's size, it's wear/condition, etc), technique, pressure, steady angle control,... it goes on and on. Every one of those variables can and will make a big difference in how long it takes.

Look for the burr.


David

 

[brasileiro]

I agree with David. Even counting strokes for centering the apex purpose is not valid because may you go harder one side and soft on other. Burr is the key. But burr must be formed along the whole apex length. Now, if you want a perfect centered apex I suggest another tool like caliper or another tool to measure the edge width, even that way you can be wrong because the blade symmetry may not be perfect.
I don’t care if my blades is not perfect centered. I believe that a little bit to right or left doesn’t make difference unless you have a specific purpose for the blade like Japanese sushi knifes, but that is another story.
Burr burr burr.