Hi Ed

I used to sell these Spyderco stones at wood shows for many years, 
probably since the 90's or late 80's. until we retired about ten years 
ago. As far as I am concerned you can't buy better. The best way to use 
them is stroking the edge parallel to the length of the stone. I always 
put my finger nail on the stone and hold the blade between my finger and 
my thumb so that the bevel is flat on the stone then stroke back and 
forth the full length of the stone. Won't hurt your finger nail.This is 
how you sharpen chisels and end cutting blades such as plane irons etc. 
By doing it this way you eliminate getting a rounded end on the blade 
keeping it straight and square.  No jigs to set up, quick and easy. Of 
course you hold it flat on the stone for honing the bur of the back 
still stroking the same way. For knives you basically hold them by the 
handle stroking lengthwise maintaining the bevel angle you want. As a 
matter of fact I usually use the side of the stone for knives holding 
the stone upright on end at an angle, flat towards you, and swinging the 
stone left and right according to the bevel you want and giving a couple 
of strokes pulling the blade across the corners or edge of the stone 
until you get the edge you want. I demonstrated this for about 30 years.

For cleaning the stone wet it, sprinkle some cleansing powder on it and 
use a scotchbrite pad and some water and it will clean up like new again.

  I even use mine to hone carbide router bits etc.

Nick