Quote from: BPalv on June 16, 2025, 05:35:30 PMAfter reading everyone's replies I don't think I see any benefit from a rock hard felt wheel at this point.
As of late I have tweaked my stropping process with very good results. After grinding and measuring with painful accuracy I hone on the Tormek wheel at +.4 with PA-70.(accuracy in measuring is critical) After 3 light passes I switch to a Tormek honing wheel with 1um diamond paste (Tech Diamond Tools). A couple EXTREMELY light passes should net some great Bess numbers.
This is in reference to good steels. Sub 100 scores should be fairly consistent with this process. (At 15 degrees).
Edit:
I've been using this process for a while now and am extremely satisfied with the results. Quality knives leave been finishing at 45 to 60 on the Bess.
Vadim worked long and hard on his research and I probably wouldn't have went down the ultra sharp path if I hadn't read his book. I appreciate everything he did. However, I have to say, it appears there is more than one way to achieve his results. Technique is the key.