Very nice!!
Does this mean we can mix stones much easier than now (i.e., much easier readjusting of the angle)? For example, one of the progressions I do now is diamond stones -> ceramic stones (same thickness) -> Choseras (thicker) -> Shaptons (again another thickness) -> home-made strops (very thin). This works great, but it is a bit of a hassle to change angles every time and be precise < .5 degrees. Will it now become easier to change the angles and be precise < .05 degrees?
I had a chance to try the prototypes, and my answer would be it is much easier with the new arms to switch between stones of different thickness. For what you're doing, I'd consider it a "must have". The micro-adjustment works in a very controlled manner moving the arms in and out. You would need a way to measure the angle, which is where the digital guage comes in, but over time, you would probably "just know" what adjustment to make between stones… in other words moving from ceramic to Chosera = 1/2 turn out, Chosera to Shapton 1/4 turn in, etc. (Of course it would change over time with stone wear, so a periodic check would be needed).
This, in my opinion, is a big plus in making the system compatible with other stones, strops, etc. being made.
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