How strongly do you press the leather wheel?

[Sharpco]

It is generally known that you should not press hard when honing. But when I use Tormek leather wheel without the jig, it is effective to press it strong enough. What about your thoughts?

[brettgrant99]

I very rarely use a jig on the leather wheel.  I don't feel that I press very hard.  More than the weight of the blade.  Less than I use for grinding.

Lately, I have been experimenting with hold the knife level and then moving the whole tool down the circumference of the wheel.  Kind of like using a paper wheel (I think.  I've never used a paper wheel.  But that is where I got the idea on to try this.).  This also allows me to polish the back of the bevel.  So far, I like it, it feels like I have more control.  I've only really done it with chisels at this point, my mind may change after doing some long chef knives, though.

[cbwx34]

I use light pressure.

I very rarely use a jig on the leather wheel.  I don't feel that I press very hard.  More than the weight of the blade.  Less than I use for grinding.

Lately, I have been experimenting with hold the knife level and then moving the whole tool down the circumference of the wheel.  Kind of like using a paper wheel (I think.  I've never used a paper wheel.  But that is where I got the idea on to try this.).  This also allows me to polish the back of the bevel.  So far, I like it, it feels like I have more control.  I've only really done it with chisels at this point, my mind may change after doing some long chef knives, though.

I do something similar to this... not necessarily holding the knife level, but moving the knife along the circumference till I feel (and hear) when I'm making contact with the edge.  Especially on the smaller T-4 wheel, where the knife has to be manipulated to maneuver it.  I think it's a good technique.

[Ken S]

I would approach this by using two or three of my sharpening chisels, honing them with different pressures and visually comparing them. The large bevels will tell the story.

I know you knife people prefer to use knives with smaller bevels.   Visually comparing the bevels and some test cuts will tell the tale. For those reluctant to use chisels, I do recommend purchasing at least two identical knives of reasonable quality for learning purposes.

Ken

[cbwx34]

Ken's post made me think of a key difference in how the honing wheel may be used (and therefore, a difference in pressure).  I don't polish with the honing wheel... I just use it to debur and clean up the edge, which is why I prefer light pressure, and only a few passes (usually just one or two per side) to do this.