Originally Posted by
John Coloccia
It's a forum. You don't get to preach. You get to have discussions with people that don't agree with you (even if they're wrong), and that may not even like you. I always try and take the approach of "here's my opinion, but try for yourself/don't try/do what you want...I don't care." When I find myself getting too wrapped up in it, like it actually matters, I take little breaks too until it's back in perspective. That's not always a bad thing.
This is no comment upon David. I have utmost respect upon his knowledge of stones and several other things. I have found him generous and giving of his knowledge and opinion. However, even with his learned expertise, I still use my waterstones and have no plans to change.
What tires me in this forum is sniping between members on their method being the only right or correct method. The easiest example is a constant back and forth about hollow grind vs simple bevel or freehand or honing guide. Any combination of these can work and there is no one "right way." I really don't care whether one uses a guide or not. If they can get the bevel sharp consistantly, whatever they do is fine. If someone think that the "perfect edge" is obtained by by chanting incantations over the tool under a full moon, then honing it using a combination of stale bread and cat fur and they are happy, I don't care. Nor to I plan to try it. It is easy to look past these comments and threads without a need to comment. It is when we think that everyone should be doing it "our way" or the "one true way" that our arrogance gets in the way of friendly discourse and civil discussion. Reasonable people can agree to disagree.
The nature of these forums are that the same questions will be asked again and again. That is the nature of people who are learning constantly coming to the forum to learn. I firmly believe all of us are still learning. Many of us have somehong to teach as well. A teacher who teaches the same class each year is obviously going to be repeating him or herself. Getting frustrated with that aspect, helps no one.
Shawn
"no trees were harmed in the creation of this message, however some electrons were temporarily inconvenienced."
"I resent having to use my brain to do your thinking"