I have a Kozuka made by R J Martin.
Although it will create a ever so slight secondary bevel R J recommended that I tape the primary bevel to keep from scratching it. The thickness of the tape will create a secondary bevel. Sharpen the one side, raise a burr and wipe the burr off the opposite side of the blade. If you do not let the knife get dull it should only require touching it up on occasion. This means that there will be less material to remove. This will not require many strokes or too much pressure and you should be able to keep the blade relatively scratch free. The secondary bevel can be slightened even more by moving the tape closer to the blade spine in steps after you have your desired edge. This will create a very slight convex edge. It will also change the finish of the blade in the area that metal has been removed.
I used to sharpen my knife this way. Than during use the blade got scuffed up. Now I no longer use tape. I just pretty much keep an eye on the bevel and try to keep it even.
Without having a belt grinder I do not see how a person could routinely sharpen a true single bevel edge. It could be done but would take a long time and alot of skill and patience.
Due to the amount of work required to maintain this type of edge it is a great edge to have on a knife you collect. It is more likely the edge the knife maker put on the knife. It is a good indicator of the knife's condition. But in use I do not feel that it is that much better than a well sharpened double bevel chisel grind.
I hope that this helps.
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Later, Jim
