Quote Originally Posted by edhewitt View Post
That's debatable, many guys still recommend using an x stroke on wider strops to account for inconsistencies in the strop surface, however I still think a wider strop is better, I only have a 3" strop. But I know that I prefer using my wider finishing hone over my narrower one.

Obie covered everything very well, it looks like you have a limited budget, but want a nice razor, which is good, I would leave the hone at the moment and spend that money on a better strop, and some proper shaving soap, even the VDH kit advertised as an also buy on the link to the strop would suffice. If you start out with a solid basic kit, you can upgrade parts slowly as you find the need, however start out with rubbish, and you will buy things twice.
Big Ed, as always Sir you are keeping me honest.
And true to form and truth be told, there is a slight X stroke using my 3 inch strop. However the inconsistencies in my SRD 3 inch strop come from my own improper technique...the edge looks like a zipper in some places.

I'm looking forward to the time when I get it right in your eyes Ed! LOL.
Everyone enjoy.