Gonebananas: Why not wash the knife with a sponge and dishwashing liquid, just as you would your kitchen tableware? Sort of seems like a non-problem. Agree with Scott that the diamond hones available today cut better and faster than the old oilstones. The finer the grade, the better the edge. The days of the old Arkansas stone and honing oil are over. Don Yellman, Great Falls, VA

I know this thread is old, but I'll post this for the benefit of anyone that finds it in a search... I have the Black & Decker Edge Hog and I am waiting for it to die so I can replace it with a gas-powered model. The corded design is fine for smallish yards, and in fact works very well just edging my driveway...but once your range expands, the cord is a major PITA. It gets in your way, it gets hung up on trees/obstacles, and generally just drags the edger as your working it. The problem is, the dang thing is so durable, I'm not sure it's going to die anytime soon, now after 5+ years of use. Maybe I should just unload it on the in-laws.

All of these responses are great, and I think what you need to take away from this is that there's no *one* process, everyone works differently. As someone who does this kind of professionally, I can tell you that not even trained designers work exactly the same way. Two things to remember....1) there are no hard and fast rules (or, there's an exception to every rule); 2) a good house is never done -- seriously. Also, as many of the others posters said, it's usually easier to start small rather than try to do it all at once. That being said, this is how I work....when I meet a new client, I ask TONS of questions. Like: -What do you like -- not only in terms if the room, but in life in general? I always look at the whole house, even if I'm just doing the bathroom, because you can't judge on the basis of one room. - How do you use the room now? How do you want to use the room? - What needs to stay in the room, and what would you like to disappear? - what colors do you like or hate. - What do other members of the family think about the room (esp DH)? _ Are there any special concerns (allergies, physical issues, etc) or special needs (like the bedroom also has to have the home office, for example)? -What time of day do you normally use the room? How many people are usually in it? (and there are a lot more, but you get the idea) Then I measure *everything*, make note of outlets & fixtures, and take pictures of *everything*. Then I start my floorplan and gather ideas for the large furniture pieces. Every job is different for me because every client is different. Some say right from the get-go "I like a cottage look", and others have no idea except that they don't want blue. For some I can start with an existing piece (carpet or artwork) and for others I start with traffic pattern and room use. Last thing I'll say is talk to everyone -- especially here! There are a wealth of talented, creative people on this forum, and I have yet to be disappointed when I've needed input from these folks. Hth, and good luck! Leigh

The initial Question was " how do you sharpen your knives." I think a lot have posted, to give some helpful and tech.info. Even if you want to keep doing the same way, which you might think is wrong, I would copy some of the info for future, just in case you might want to upgrade your knives. ????? - - - - - - - - - - - - - Has anyone seen the Kitchen Knives at Lowe's. They are made by " Kitchen Aid " and look pretty good. I lost my Paring Knife about a month ago, so while at Lowe's I bought one for $9.95. I liked the Design. There was a nice varity of other knives. Has anyone else seen them. ??? They were back near the Kitchen Cabinets. Here is the Paring Knife. It holds a good edge. I just touch it up with the steel. The blade is 3 1/2 inches long. It fits my hand well.