Hey Whitebear (great tagline quote!), thanks for that background and perspective.
This issue reminds me of the DOS vs Windows wars on my palmtop computer mailing list, where you're tagged as either command-line or mouse impaired (I personally use the HP 200LX DOS computer).
Just to keep this in-topic, in regards to your statement about using a Norton stone freehand, there's a sharpening tips webpage at:
http://gpvec.unl.edu/public/files/feedlot/sharp1.htm#sharp_i
that mentions a trick similar to the Razor-Edge "System" (that uses a clamp-on edge guide to keep the blade at a constant angle)... it suggests using a 1/4" spring paper clip on the spine of the blade to keep the angle... haven't tried this myself, but it sounds like a grey area between freehand and system... at least cheap!
Just wondered if you or anyone ever tried this. The site's author prefers freehand (thumb against the back of the knife to hold the angle) just so's the freehanders here don't think I'm pushing a "system" site.
This issue reminds me of the DOS vs Windows wars on my palmtop computer mailing list, where you're tagged as either command-line or mouse impaired (I personally use the HP 200LX DOS computer).
Just to keep this in-topic, in regards to your statement about using a Norton stone freehand, there's a sharpening tips webpage at:
http://gpvec.unl.edu/public/files/feedlot/sharp1.htm#sharp_i
that mentions a trick similar to the Razor-Edge "System" (that uses a clamp-on edge guide to keep the blade at a constant angle)... it suggests using a 1/4" spring paper clip on the spine of the blade to keep the angle... haven't tried this myself, but it sounds like a grey area between freehand and system... at least cheap!
Just wondered if you or anyone ever tried this. The site's author prefers freehand (thumb against the back of the knife to hold the angle) just so's the freehanders here don't think I'm pushing a "system" site.