A down and forward (edge leading) stroke is safer and creates a very slightly sharper and more durable edge than an up and forward (edge trailing) stroke but the performance improvement is very big. The main thing is safety - with an edge leading stroke, your hands are well below the knife edge if the stone falls off the tip of the blade. With an edge trailing stroke, your hand is much more exposed if the stone falls off the tip. It is kind of awkward to switch directions but most people are finding that they get used to it after a couple of knives.
I find I am more comfortable with an upward motion. Is this not recommended?
A down and forward (edge leading) stroke is safer and creates a very slightly sharper and more durable edge than an up and forward (edge trailing) stroke but the performance improvement is very big. The main thing is safety - with an edge leading stroke, your hands are well below the knife edge if the stone falls off the tip of the blade. With an edge trailing stroke, your hand is much more exposed if the stone falls off the tip. It is kind of awkward to switch directions but most people are finding that they get used to it after a couple of knives.
@@WickedEdgePrecisionSharpeners thanks! I appreciate the feedback. I love my wicked edge sharpener!