<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I'm not as particular as I made myself sound. I only micro-inspect a blade the first time I grind and sharpen it, so I know what I'm working with, or if trying to work out chips when restoring a use one. This is especially useful with razors. After that, a blade will only see a hone or steel and I don't much care. If good judgement is used as to what is cut, an edge can hold up for years......especially if you don't loan out the tool. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />