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the right slot of Stage 1, using the left and right slots on alternate pulls. (Take
about 3-4 seconds for each pull of a 12 cm long blade). The first time you
sharpen an European or American knife it may take up to 20 pair of pulls to
fully re-angle the edge of a thin blade. Thicker blades will require more pulls.
Check for a burr as described below and continue to make more pulls if nec-
essary to create a small burr along the entire length of the blade.
If you are sharpening a contemporary Asian blade (which probably has been
sharpened previously at 15 degrees) you will find that only a few (1-2) pairs
of alternating pulls (alternating left and right slots) will be needed to develop
a burr. Do not over sharpen. When you have developed a burr along the full
blade length proceed to Stage 2.
DETECTING THE BURR
To confirm the presence of a burr move your forefinger carefully across the
edge in the direction shown. Do not move your finger along the edge – to
avoid cutting your finger. If the last pull was in the right slot, the burr will ap-
pear only on the right side of the blade as you normally hold it and vice versa.
The burr, when present, feels like a rough and bent extension of the edge; the
opposite side of the edge feels very smooth by comparison. If there is no burr
continue sharpening in Stage 1, alternating left and right slots until a full burr
develops. When a burr is present along the entire blade length proceed as
below to Stage 2.
HONING IN STAGE 2
Make about 1 or 2 pairs of pulls through Stage 2 alternating each pull in the
left and right slots. Take about 3 seconds for each pull on a 12 cm long blade.
Check for a burr before proceeding to Stage 3. If necessary make additional
pairs of pulls to develop a burr along the entire length of blade before pro-
ceeding to Stage 3.
STROPPING/POLISHING THE EDGE IN STAGE 3
Pull the blade through the left slot of Stage 3 and then through the right slot of
Stage 3. Make 3 pairs of pulls, alternating each pull in the left and right slots.
You should take about 3 to 4 seconds for each pull for a 12 cm long blade.
Then make 2 pairs of alternating faster pulls in this Stage, about 1 second per
pull for a 12 cm blade to put a final polish on the edge.
Check the blade for sharpness. For a sharper edge make a few more pairs of
fast pulls and check for sharpness.
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