From wikipedia
Knife sharpening proceeds in several stages, in order from coarsest (most destructive) to finest (most delicate). These may be referred to either by the effector by the tool. Naming by effect, the stages are:sharpening ? removing metal to form a newedge rough sharpening (using either water stones, oil stones, or medium grits of sandpaper in the scary sharp method of sharpening) fine sharpening (using the same tools as above, but in finer grits) straightening ? straightening the existingmetal on the blade, but not removing significant quantities of metal polishing (also called stropping)? giving a mirror finish, but not significantly altering the edge. polishing may also be achieved by buffing a blade: instead of moving the knife against a flat leather strop loaded with fine abrasive, the knife is held still and a powered circular cloth wheel is moved against the knife
I was taught that a hone straightens and flatens the edge after using a stone which removes metal
Knife sharpening proceeds in several stages, in order from coarsest (most destructive) to finest (most delicate). These may be referred to either by the effector by the tool. Naming by effect, the stages are:sharpening ? removing metal to form a newedge rough sharpening (using either water stones, oil stones, or medium grits of sandpaper in the scary sharp method of sharpening) fine sharpening (using the same tools as above, but in finer grits) straightening ? straightening the existingmetal on the blade, but not removing significant quantities of metal polishing (also called stropping)? giving a mirror finish, but not significantly altering the edge. polishing may also be achieved by buffing a blade: instead of moving the knife against a flat leather strop loaded with fine abrasive, the knife is held still and a powered circular cloth wheel is moved against the knife
I was taught that a hone straightens and flatens the edge after using a stone which removes metal