It finally happened.
What has bothered me forever is that despite all the jigs on the market, when you set up any jig, it may not be exactly what the bevel was ground the last time.
I have traditionally favored the MK II. Once you set it up, sometimes, it is not spot on. The microbevel roller mechanism, although ingenious, only does so much.
Regardless of pros and cons of the Mk II, whatever jig or system one uses, you have to do all the set up and dial it in every time-and then see if that particular set up will precisely give the exact grind where you want it.
So, today after about 2 hours in frustration, playing with it, and grinding and grinding off more steel (no use grinder or Tormek) of a 2 3/8" blade to re-establish the bevel.
Then....in total frustration-I thought....hey, what do I have to loose, I took the blade out of the dang jig.
I marked the edge with a black magic marker (again) held sideways with my left hand/fingers applying pressure down @ the edge, the right hand rocking the blade till the bevel sat on the stone--in this case 80 grit carbide wet paper. Moved the blade sideways up and down the stone. Just a few strokes. No big deal. Too easy.
In this very simple way, I was able, by just afixing my arms/elbows/wrists/fingers rigidly to my trunk, etc, and rocking to and fro with my legs slightly, was able to get the exact edge I was seeking.
One thing (for me) is to not look directly @ the blade/stone--I keep it all in peripheral field. Somehow, this is another level of awareness on keeping the angle exactly where it needs to be to grind precisely.
The very best thing???? It only takes 3-4 swipes at each grit And, you can see the scratch pattern refine as you go--no black marker needed.
So, I went right on up my grit system till I wound up @ 16K (I know-overkill)......did a couple swipes on leather.
Then the test---no light reflection from the edge, and (my fave) the hair on my forearm jumped off ahead of the blade.
Let me tell you----if you have never had the confidence to try freehand sharpening, give it a try. It only takes a few swipes at each grit and is soooo much easier, and faster.
I'm sure narrow blades are harder, and severely dishing the stone is possible if you dont move laterally.
I am a convert. Thanks for your attention.