Let’s be brave and talk some sharpening or better said edge maintenance. I know some dread the idea of doing this by freehand. On sakhome.com you will find some information and talk on this
subject. Not all Swiza blades got a very acute tip from the factory. I usually always like to follow the factory edge for as long as I can. Many like to have a very pointy tip section which I understand very well.
When you are sharpening by freehand there are some important factors involved. For example the size of the stone and if you are having it on a table or holding the device in the hand could influence the result. If you are
following the factory edge you will get the same edge angle and design on the tip section. It is more difficult to change the point or tip by freehand because this is best done on fixed machine and so forth. When you are doing it by freehand you may have experience
dropping outside the stone and this can damage the tip some. That is why I recommend starting with that part of the blade and perhaps sacrifice some skin. It is about using light pressure and not coarse stones, I do not get any damage on my finger.
On the picture you can see how I hold the blade and maintain the front section of the blade. When doing this I avoid the possibility of dropping outside with the diamond coated stone. Some do not like
the holes or cavities in the surface that collects the substances because these can also influence the tip. On the stones you may have a part without them which you can use. If you are using light pressure it works fine or you can use a stone without cavities.
If you are following the edge from the factory you will maintain this and it would be easier in the future too make the tip section more acute or pointy. If you are following the edge you will get a pointy part which is enough in my opinion. Remember that
to change the shape or grind on the tip could require extra attention. If you take the time and go very slowly forward then you can shape it into your will.