Can I dull the edge by honing improperly?

[bnlsrv]

Also, what tips are there for feeling the right angle as I'm honing the edge?
When do I know I'm done?
Any other tips - the dvd that came with this is great, but I could use a little more coaching on the honing of the knife edge, etc.

[Jeff Farris]

Yes, you can dull the edge if you hold the knife at too steep an angle to the honing wheel.  There's no downside to having too shallow an angle (other than not getting the edge honed), so I generally recommend people start out too flat and bring the angle up until you get the results you're looking for.

[bnlsrv]

So, I would think then, that you start out flat and continue to check the edge, bring it at a greater angle until you see it start to remove the scratches?

When am I done honing - when all the scratches are gone?
Is there a certain "feel" to it when you're at the right angle?

[Jeff Farris]

When am I done honing - when all the scratches are gone?

Yes, you want to remove the scratches and get rid of the wire edge.

Is there a certain "feel" to it when you're at the right angle?

Yes on chisels, but not on thinner blades like knives. If you get it too high you may notice a slightly different feel, but when you do, you're way past the point where you want to be.

[bnlsrv]

Thanks Jeff for all your expertise!