Yes Mr. Grepper, you are correct, abrasion is the classical concept. I have mentioned burnishing as my working hypothesis for explanation of some burr/edge behaviour. This concept is not common in knife sharpeners community. I have read about it on some straight razor forum, where it was documented how this process (plastic flow) can heel some minor defects of the edge. I think it is intuitively well understandable.
The answer to your question: “However, could that "tiny movement of steel near apex" cause thinning of the already very thin burr material causing it to tear off?” is yes.
I'm not trying to convince you nor change your thinking. Please feel free to avoid this term if it irritates you. If it is a viable concept, it will emerge again, and if it is not it will be forgotten.
The answer to your question: “However, could that "tiny movement of steel near apex" cause thinning of the already very thin burr material causing it to tear off?” is yes.
I'm not trying to convince you nor change your thinking. Please feel free to avoid this term if it irritates you. If it is a viable concept, it will emerge again, and if it is not it will be forgotten.