Sharpening takes place in the lower section of the rods. The handle end of the blade is placed on the tool and drawn through right to the tip of the blade whilst applying a gentle pressure.
Polishing takes place in the upper section of the rods. In this case there should only be a minimum upward movement of these. If the cutting edge or the microscopic burr should simply need centring or honing then a few strokes in the upper, polishing section of the bars should be sufficient