Using bench stone on hand instead?

J

J-P SAN

Joined
Apr 23, 2013
Messages
123
Anyone else keep bench stone on other hand while sharpening? I get much better feedback while doing so. Opinions?
 
If it works for you go for it. As for me I just have pocket stones and I have an 8in Norton Economy coming in Wensday, I prefer using 1 hand on the handle and a few fingers on the blade to keep it flat on the stone. Though my technique keeps changing as I continue to learn but I don't see myself holding the stone in one hand, too afraid I slip and cut myself.
 
That is the way I have freehand sharpened for years. Hold the stone in one hand, the knife in the other, and stroke away till sharp. Like you, I feel like I can feel what is happening better.
 
I formed most all of my sharpening habits holding pocket-sized hones in one hand, and the blade in the other. Really became spoiled in holding the stone with one end of it toward me, so that I could get a clear look at the edge-to-stone contact as I worked. So, with any 'bench' hone that's maybe 6" or smaller, I actually prefer to use it in a similar manner. As a side benefit, I've also come to believe it's much easier to regulate pressure using a stone this way; it's harder to use excessive pressure, as might happen if 'leaning into' a stone laid horizontally on a bench. This sort of interplays with feedback as well; the 'lighter touch' I get in this manner seems to make the fingertips more easily feel the stone.


David
 
Last edited:
BE CAREFUL. I was sharpening with edge trailing strokes and when I went to touch the tip to the stone I missed the top, and the blade slowly scooted down the side of the stone and into my hand, filleting my palm open. I would have had to make a much bigger mistake to injure myself sharpening on a bench. Wear gloves.

W8TO9V8.jpg
 
backskipper said:
BE CAREFUL. I was sharpening with edge trailing strokes and when I went to touch the tip to the stone I missed the top, and the blade slowly scooted down the side of the stone and into my hand, filleting my palm open. I would have had to make a much bigger mistake to injure myself sharpening on a bench. Wear gloves.

W8TO9V8.jpg
Click to expand...

The pic below shows how I ordinarily hold my hones (this example is of one of my strop/sandpaper blocks, which I use in the same manner). Also shows why I do this with hones that are maybe ~6" or shorter, as my hand wouldn't span anything much bigger. Depending on thickness of the stone/block, sometimes only my thumb/fingertips will be in 'the sharpening zone' above the surface. Otherwise, my hand & fingers are ordinarily out of the way. The exception is with smaller pocket-sized hones, which are obviously thinner and shorter. I have nicked a fingertip or thumb on occasion, using those; especially with my oft-used DMT 'credit card' hones. Just forces me to pay attention, and take everything nice & slow, and keep pressure at a controllable level. ;)


David
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top