Thread: Ode to the X-Pattern stroke

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

Originally Posted by gssixgun

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

I would agree with all your points, especially with regard to the flexibility in handling blade variations. The X-stroke would be advantageous in many of the circumstances that you mention, and worthy of mastery. But as you point out, ceteris parabis (all things being equal), a three-inch wide, properly lapped hone will do a fine job without using a single X-stroke.

On the first comment I would respecfully request some clarification. A wide enough finisher works beautifully with a 30 degree angled heel forward stroke. I am not sure what, if any, advantage the X-stroke necessarily provides on a finishing stone. Did you mean to say on a narrow finisher (<2.5in)? Perhaps you can explain this point to me.

Originally Posted by Gammaray

On the first comment I would respecfully request some clarification. A wide enough finisher works beautifully with a 30 degree angled heel forward stroke. I am not sure what, if any, advantage the X-stroke necessarily provides on a finishing stone. Did you mean to say on a narrow finisher (<2.5in)? Perhaps you can explain this point to me.

No need for explination you got it

I think my main point is that it is very easy for experienced honers that have mastered the X pattern and have evolved it into other things to say "Yeah I barely use it any longer" then it would be to skip it's use all together..

Which is exactly why I moved this discussion into the Advanced section, as it is a discussion among people that have an option of using all the different patterns because we have learned them and how to use them

I hope that is a bit more clear...

The purpose of this thread was to gather some impressions on how the new EXTRA wide water stones and leather strops have perhaps diminished the real utility of the X-stroke. This early sample of respondents would say that the X-stroke still has merit under some circumstances even on the wider stones, and that it is still mandatory for narrower stones. It would appear that among the experienced users the X-stroke may no longer be mandatory on the wider media. Additional comments or impressions are welcome. Thanks for the feedback.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

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

In others words "Why kick the sleeping dog"

The only 3 inch wide hone I have is a dmt 325 so I won't be ditching the x-stroke any time soon.