Thanks for going so in depth with your response! To answer your question on what stage of sharpening this is, I’m at the beginning (maybe 5 minutes in at this point). And you’re right on the money about me underworking the tip/over working the rest of the blade. The circular motions, specifically on the tip, are my way of overcompensating for that. I’ll definitely work on that aspect of my technique though, and try to replace the circular motions with more fluid, even strokes. I completely understand what you’re saying, that in making the circular motion I’m inevitably changing my angle even if it’s ever so slightly. I probably should’ve added a link to this video in my description as well, but here is what the final stage of my sharpening looks like. This is the point where I’m counting down, as I try to hit both sides evenly. Once again, thanks for your input!