: In addition to what rob says, which I suspect is the cause. When sharpening
: the angle, it is good to flip the bald over lay it flat on the stone and
: give a few quick pushes.

: this will take any hook that may have formed right at the tip off, making
: cutting easier.

: but I recomment the carrage Rob is talking about, it makes sharpening almost
: fail safe

: Myrl

Polishing the back of the blade should be part of every sharpening cycle.

The are a lot of sharpening methods and systems out there. There are almost
as many styles and methods of edge sharpening as there are weight loss programs.

It is easy to get confused by the tools and systems, oil stone or water stones,
for instance and the mechanics of how to hone an edge.

Just like strip building or anything else, too many cooks spoil the stew.

Look through back issues or Fine Woodworking or pick up a book on the subject of
edge sharpening with a method that appeals to you and FOLLOW the instructions.

There are a sequence of steps you need to follow, to get into the habit of doing before
you will be able to consistently produce a good edge.

Ask people why they like oil stones or water stones or sandpaper on glass surfaces
or whatever method you've heard of.

Learn it, and habituate it.

Rob