Thread: Ode to the X-Pattern stroke

Originally Posted by ace

One of the values of X-strokes is that the variation in stroke direction minimizes striations in the bevel. Because the strokes are in slightly different directions, the striations tend to be cancelled out, leaving a smoother bevel.

This is a good point. However, I have found that these same angular striations can be created with alternating heel/toe forward strokes ~20-30 degree angle without drawing the edge off the hone. Rotating the stone can also ensure that the edge is not running over the same spot. I have confirmed that a similar striation pattern can be created under my 30X loupe at the 1000 grit level.

Yes , the "X" stroke has gone out of style . The only people who still use the "X" stroke , are uninformed Neanderthals , who simply refuse to change . Most people are now using the "Y" stroke , and those who are on the "cutting edge" of honing are experimenting with the "Z" stroke . Just kidding , of course . I say , stroke it whatever way works for you .

Originally Posted by dave5225

I say , stroke it whatever way works for you .

We are talking SR's...right?

Originally Posted by dave5225

Yes , the "X" stroke has gone out of style . The only people who still use the "X" stroke , are uninformed Neanderthals , who simply refuse to change . Most people are now using the "Y" stroke , and those who are on the "cutting edge" of honing are experimenting with the "Z" stroke . Just kidding , of course . I say , stroke it whatever way works for you .

Beat me to it!!

Yes, I've been using the method you describe in your original post for a couple of years now. I couldn't be happier with the results. I have on old Escher that is narrower, and I confess I use a bit of an x-stroke there when necessary to cover the whole edge.

Originally Posted by FTG

Beat me to it!!

Great minds , think alike (I think) .

Threads have been Merged and moved to the Advanced Honing Section,

Ok now that it is in the right place, my opinion is that there are degrees of X patterns,, ie: on a 3 inch hone the X pattern is way less pronounced then it is on the 1 inch hone... There is NOTHING that says the X pattern must be so pronounced the only true objective of honing is to evenly draw the edge across the hone and manage not to create odd wear...

Sorry for the incomplete thought up there something my Sis figured was of importance interrupted me

I wanted to also point out that there are some draw backs to not learning to use the X pattern properly..

1. Many finishers would be of no use to you

2. You would have to develop another pattern to keep the Frowns away

3. Barber's Hones, and smaller bouts would be of no use to you

4. You would have to be extra careful about keeping your hones lapped

5. Honing gymnastics would be extra hard for you so difficult blades would be harder


Learning the proper use of the X stroke teaches you how to adapt and overcome many honing challenges. It is the basic stroke that all others have evovled from.. ie: It is pretty easy for us that have learned it to say "I don't really use a basic X stroke any longer" but as the "learning stroke I still think it is essential...


There that was the rest of my thoughts, please note I said Proper use of the X

Your razor, your hones, your shave, your face, your strokes, your experience, your enjoyment (hopefully).

Glen makes some good points. I'd follow them with the reason many of us are here. I enjoy doing things the hard way...I believe this makes me more robust and able to cope with challenges. Let us not forget that many men today learned to be ignorant about most things shaving as a result of the past couple generations being handed easier ways to shave.

This notion of turning soap into lather and using a bare blade to groom one's facial hair used to be so common place. Now it's fairly rare because people found easier ways to do it that worked almost as well. In this regard I do not look to simplify maintenance and honing...I'd rather challenge myself regularly