On 10/4/2014 10:34 AM, Brent Beach wrote:
> Forming a bevel by pushing the metal around - using a knife steel - 
> affects the crystal structure about the same as stretching the metal 
> to 20 times its heat treated length. It can be work hardened but its 
> durability is compromised.
>
> All that is before you even get to the freehand sharpening question.
>
> Brent 

I was never able to get a consistently satisfactory edge with a honing 
steel. Then I found this - and stopped trying!

http://
www.leevalley.com/en/Wood/page.aspx?p=32456&cat=1,43072

I don't bother adjusting the angle anymore. All knives get sharpened 
with the same setting. The angle varies from one knife to another, but 
each one gets consistent treatment.

FWIW
Don