thumb (with really-fine-grit stones, though say, 2,000
or above, you won’t feel it). It may take up to 30 or
40 strokes before a burr forms, and that is the
indication that you should switch and start
sharpening the other side.
Step 8: Start Sharpening the Second Side. Turn the
knife over so the edge is pointing toward you. Place
the heel of the blade near the base of the stone, again
maintaining a 15- to 20-degree angle, then gently
push the blade away from you while simultaneously
dragging it across the stone toward the tip.
Step 9: Repeat. Your stroke should end with the tip
of the blade against the top edge of the stone, still
maintaining a 15- to 20-degree angle. Moisten your
stone between strokes if it begins to dry out. Repeat
for as many strokes as it took you to form the burr
on the first side. Flip the knife back over and repeat
steps 4 through 8, using fewer and fewer strokes per
side, until you are down to one. (The blade will not
form a burr during this stage.)
Step 10: Fix the Stone. After repeated use, your
stone will begin to develop grooves in it, which can
lessen its sharpening power. To fix it, use a low-grit
stone fixer. Place the fixer flat against the stone and
push it back and forth to grind down the stone and
create a new flat surface.
Step 11: Clean Up. You should have a dedicated