S110v, 1. Me, 0. Give me an EP lesson.

[gunmike1]

...I do. ...but as Mike mentioned, there are various factors which influence initial edge angle accuracy. The drill collar just keeps you consistent throughout the stone progression.

The angle cube is nice for quickly verifying your edge angle by taking into account the blade angle, stone thickness, ect. I personally like to run pretty thin angles, so I think you are well served by having your angles more acute than the 15/18 degrees you were shooting for if you are looking for cutting ability. The other good thing about thin angles is that you can quickly put a microbevel on at a little steeper angle for both quick touch ups as well as a little more durability.

 

[ZuluKilo]

The angle cube is nice for quickly verifying your edge angle by taking into account the blade angle, stone thickness, ect. I personally like to run pretty thin angles, so I think you are well served by having your angles more acute than the 15/18 degrees you were shooting for if you are looking for cutting ability. The other good thing about thin angles is that you can quickly put a microbevel on at a little steeper angle for both quick touch ups as well as a little more durability.

Well, in a way, things have really come together...kind of a happy accident. Instead of the 15 DPS I thought I put on my Millie, I've got 12-13 DPS. And, instead of 18 DPS on my GB, I've got 15-16 DPS. With recent touch ups of both on the 20* Sharpmaker rods and a strop, I'm sharp and decently strong.