Do you use back and forth motions only on the first whetstone stone?

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LivingLikeLarry

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Aug 13, 2019
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I typically see people sharpen after the first stone using the same technique as the first stone with both edge trailing and edge leading passes. I am wondering if this is actually necessary? It seems like all you really need to do is some edge leading passes on each progression once you have set a good edge on the the first stone.
 
Jason B. said:
Its for speed and consistency, going both forward and back while remaining on the stone will remove more steel faster and because you remain on the surface you will hold better angle consistency.
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Mostly this.

I sharpen more or less the same way on each stone. I might alter pressure, time, etc. but it's the same basic technique.

I didn't used to do it that way and came to realize I was wrong. At least for my style. I even de-burr on each stone.
 
I agree ^. I use more back and forward strokes on the first stone, setting the bevel. Then not as much on the second stone. But I will still use that stroke. And yes, I deburr on each stone, until I can't feel it. DM
 
Also agree, back & forth helps with speed & consistency. Speed of metal removal is the bigger benefit at coarser stages where the bulk of the steel is coming off. And then in the interim stages before final finishing, the consistency brought by keeping the bevels in constant contact, and the natural, flowing rhythm that comes with the back & forth strokes, is a plus in cleaning up the bevels of the coarser scratch patterns.

Only in the last few passes in finishing up, do I then switch to very, very light edge-leading passes to make the apex as keenly sharp as possible and unify the finished scratch pattern.
 
I usually use both when reprofiling. Otherwise I use edge leading on most stones unless there is a lot of slurry the. I might use edge trailing.
 
LivingLikeLarry said:
It seems like all you really need to do is some edge leading passes on each progression once you have set a good edge on the the first stone.
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That's the way I do it, with an emphasis on LIGHT strokes, since the edge is very thin and delicate after a burr has been formed.

If I've let the edge go too long without sharpening, if there is substantial damage of some kind, or if I'm thinning a thick factory edge, my main goal on the first (coarsest) stone is to quickly remove metal and form a burr. I'm not much concerned about what strokes I use, concentrating more on keeping a low angle for a thin edge. In addition to the back and forth strokes mentioned above, I also use short, circular, scrubbing motions. I figure this prevents the scratch pattern from only going in one direction, which possibly weakens the edge and behind the edge, but this is just a guess. I don't need smooth, highly polished, refined edges, so don't worry about how they look. If I'm careful about preventing edge damage and maintain my sharpened edges (microbevel) with a few light strokes on a higher grit, when necessary, I don't need to remove much metal to get a burr when I sharpen.
 
The back and forth are efficient and accurate strokes imo. Not saying you can't do accurate one side at a time now. Most of the strokes we do are polishing strokes. Edge refining strokes are edge leading. That's my take anyway. I am of the thinking that the most efficient way(fastest) that gets your edge done right is the way to go.
 
I think the Japanese have developed a VERY good way to hone and most of the ones I have seen go back and forth almost all of the time. I also think it does help you maintain the angle you choose consistently throughout the process.
 
"Contact forward only, lift on the back stroke." is how I was taught how to sharpen freehand.
Also to take one or two swipes then flip the blade and repeat.
Angle is/was "To shave the stone". (a shallow angle.)
"A Wire Edge means you made an "oops". (My father, grand father, and great grand father used a slightly more colorful phrase than "oops" that is not allowed to be used on the forum, because there might be kids reading this.

I'm not sure what the big deal is.
Kids hear and use that kind of language … I heard it (and used it) when I was a pre-teen ... For example, when I was being taught how to sharpen freehand, when I was 5 or so … or when an adult squished their thumb and/or finger(s) with a hammer when driving in a nail … or did something else stupid that caused them pain.
I know I used "naughty" language, just like the adults did, when I squished my thumb or finger with the hammer when driving in a nail … or the wrench slipped and I skinned a knuckle or knuckles … stepped on a sandbur/goats head bare footed … stubbed my toe … noticed/discovered I was leaking red stuff … when me mum served ((((gag))) carrots (((gag))) or (((GAG))) beets (((GAG))) …

Yes. When I squished my thumb or fingers with the hammer, I put hands between my legs and did the same crouched over "dance" as the adults did, while using the same naughty words they used. (I may have been a little more … "enthusiastic" … about it than they were)
 
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