while the center piece slides back and forth independently and can lock into position to accommodate a wide variety of blade shapes and sizes

Dalmore Blue is preliminarily lapped and does not require lapping after purchase

The compensator will remain in this position until the end of the sharpening process

This is normal for natural stones and not treated as a defect

and standard household scissors

lansky eraser while the center piece slidesLansky Eraser is a highly effective product for cleaning ceramic rods and stones made of sintered ceramic, aluminum oxide, and bonded diamonds. With use, a ceramic hone will develop swarf from fine metal shavings. The eraser will clean the surface. Use with water.