Seems me and you are in the same boat John, I just got mine a couple of days ago.
The first knife I’ve sharpened is the Spyderco Bill Moran Drop Point. I wanted to start on a relatively straight fixed blade, I’m pleased with the results but Its not perfect, I’ve alot to learn!
I’d agree with Mikedoh’s advice when it comes to pressure, too much will only cause more scratches to remove with the following stone, this is most evident when you get to the 1k diamond to Coarse ceramic change.
I’m still not sure about the ceramics although, I’m familiar with them (I’ve owned the sypderco sharpmaker for a couple of years) but they seem to produce a ‘smudged’ effect I’m struggling to remove with later grits / strops.
All in all its a pleasant learning curve and a thoroughly enjoyable pastime! I’m having a bash at a spyderco Sage 2 now. (masking tape the pivots / exposed mechanics!)
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