Well I heard from HD and he is fine but has just been busy....so that's good. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

On topic again regarding sharpening systems....I think like Snotpig the idea of experimenting but having a good back up system which you can use to correct mistakes is the best way to go. I had to re-profile my Skinny with a Lansky system in order to restore a "tip" which I had rounded off to a knife edge instead of a "point" using the sander to convex it....got it right after that...but only by asking for a few technique tips from HD....then fathomed a few sensible precautions for future use myself.

Best tip I got from HD was to pull the blade away from the belt once you reached the tip and not drag it across....then I figured out not to start with a heavy grit belt...but an old worn out one and use a marker until you felt you had the movements and angles off correct by checking the "ink removal".

It is all a learning curve....but the benefit of convexing blades like these makes it worth it. They sure cut and chop real well once they are done right! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />