Hey folks, I recently got myself a Hongdui honing guide and have started using it. Unfortunately, I'm having a lot of trouble getting a good edge on my chisels and plane blades. It just doesn't seem to hold the blade flat, and I end up with a skewed angle. I'm starting to think maybe I should just give up and invest in a Lie Nielsen honing guide instead. Has anyone here had similar experiences or can offer any tips?
3 Answers
Honestly, if you can afford it, just go for the Lie Nielsen. It’s widely regarded as the best option and once you start using it, you'll never want to switch again! Trust me, it’s a solid investment.
You know, you don't really need a honing guide once you train your fingers a bit. Check out Cosman's "32 seconds to sharp" video. It's all about finding the right grip, establishing the bevel, and creating a secondary edge with just a bit of lift. It’ll make honing way easier!
I’ve been using the Lee Valley side clamping honing guide and I actually prefer it over the MKII. It was pretty cheap too, around $40 last I checked. However, I don't use it much anymore since I've adapted to honing freehand, which has been a game changer for me! Just make sure you're comfortable with your grip, and you'll get the hang of it.