Ok, I decided to give it another go on manual sharpening this material. After the first session, I think I did not change my technique enough and was likely applying too much pressure in general. So today's plan was to do a 16k (1um) stropping on how I left the Rahven, and check under the scope, just to see what it might look like. Then start low again and work my way up from 1200-4000-8000, then re-strop on the microfiber block loaded w/16k.
Spoiler alert - I got set-back at each grit change, essentially back to baseline. So, somewhat rookie mistake here, but my 4k and 8k diamond plates were new, and they cut far too aggressively before being broken in, despite the super light pressure used. I did, however, get some positive feedback on the 3-finger test (indicated in each pic either + or -), which, unfortunately didn't necessarily translate into smoother cuts on paper tests. The knife was always able to push-cut paper, just varied in smoothness.
First, the 1200 worn stone probably had the best overall results. It will be interesting to see how the other plates do once they wear in.
Round1 - 1200k (well worn from previous session):
Set back after trying to progress to the 4k plate.
Round 2 - 4k (new):
Again, set back a bit, but you can see progression in both the preceding 4k series, and this 8k series.
Round 3 - 8k (new):
So initially the stropping seemed to decrease the sharpness, maybe due to the give of the microfiber, allowing it to curl over a bit on the apex, the pics seem to indicate this.
Round 4 - 16k stropping (new block and media):
I went much lighter and decreased my angle a bit, and I got it back up to 3ft+ grippy.
Round 4-2 16k stropping to 3ft+, +bonus pic:
I am starting to think a very high grit, somewhat worn diamond abrasive may be the way to go, start to finish. By hand it will take a very long time, so might need to try some belts in the shop.
Also, for giggles, I tried to see if I could use my hardest waterstones to do anything, maybe polish, or rid myself of some of the toothiness. As expected, absolutely not. Don't even bother.
I might add some additional commentary to this or just do another round of testing, but either way, more to come! The edge on this material isn't just a ghost, it's ethereal. I need to find a proton pack to get this thing honed in...
-burly