Quote Originally Posted by kwlfca View Post
I read that it's better to get a 2" (as opposed to the 3") to get yourself used to the x stroke, that way once I eventually learn to hone, I'll already be familiar with the x stroke. True?
That's just one of those opinion things...IMO

You can do a x stroke on a 2 or 3" strop just like you can do just straight strokes. Key is just ensuring the entire edge is getting a good stropping. YOu can get there by x's, straights, or a combination of both...just which ever you learn that you like the best. Yes, smiling blades do work a little better on x's. Try them both as there is no rule here as long as you arrive with a well stropped edge.