Quote Originally Posted by Utopian View Post
Even though your three inch strop would allow you to leave the razor on it, the leather likely is not flat so it is better to do the x-stroke to cover all parts of the blade. Some may disagree with that and even I might disagree with that for a beginner, but I still think the x-stroke is better even on a wide strop.

Use the felt first, then the leather.
I appreciate it. I have been going straight back only, no x-stroke, because I want to keep the blade level, and not put too much pressure on the blade if I see-saw it laterally while doing the x-stroke.

Another question: I was wondering if the x-stroke, since it is always in the same direction, not only pulls the micro-serrations together, but pulls the micro-serrations toward top (opposite the monkey tail), making the edge more compact.