You know… over time I’ve developed a technique of using that ‘teetering’ on the shorter arms to my advantage, to the point that I actually don’t mind it too much.
With methodical placement of my fingers on the stone handle, starting at the bottom position, and then progressively moving upward at each gripping point after a set amount of strokes, finishing at the very top, I feel I can essentially create a very, very, subtle micro micro bevel. I basically use this to guarantee I’m finishing at the very apex, and making up for any super subtle stone thickness difference. I reserve this for when I’m stopping at diamonds or ceramics, not on strops, and only do it with the final grit when I’m getting into the whisper touch mode.
As a bonus, this technique seems to give the final edge polish, especially when finishing with ceramics, a more even and consistent appearance.
Just a thought…
I totally agree with using the system’s “error” to your advantage!
Some may reposition their fingers on the stones and use that little bit of wiggle room to hit the apex, others finish by micro-adjusting their arms out 1/2 a turn to hit the apex to deburr with their finish stones. I move my hands to a few different positions I find beneficial based on what I’m trying to achieve at any given point throughout the progression.
Just know I’m definitely not questioning your skills 🙂 I was simply trying to provide the little pieces of insight I’ve picked up from awesome folks here on the forum and pay it forward by responding to a rather open-ended reply.
Ordered some of the 3″ longer rods today from Bob. Eager to see if they make a difference.
Anyway, yeah, please let us know what you think after you’re as to try em out !!!
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