Quote Originally Posted by gssixgun View Post
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.