Diamond Stones For The Sharpmaker?

[Razor]

Can you use the flats on the rods as well as the edges? It seems like someone on here said you could only use the edges of the stones.

 

[aleforme]

I only use the flats. I know some use the edges but I just get a better feel with the flats. I actually hold the diamonds rods more often than putting them in the base. But, I freehand primarily on bench stones so I like feeling the proper edge of the blade by holding the diamond rod. I find the Diamond rods work really well on more flexible knives as well. I have a terrible time sharpening my boning knives on bench stones but the Spyderco diamond rods work great for me.

 

[Yonose]

They probably said they prefer the edges, cause they are quicker. Instructions say use edge first, then move to flat. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t.
Edit; I don’t have the diamond rods, just coarse thru ultra fine