I have the same Shaptons and use circles on the 1K and 4K at the beginning of either hone, but always end up with (x-)strokes. I feel the feedback of the Shaptons is much clearer to be felt that way and it is easier for me to keep the blade flat, use little or no pressure and keep that pressure even along the entire edge. The 8K and 16K get x-strokes only from me.

Honing on my slow Jnat, I use circles almost exclusively, until my slurry dries out to a sticky paste.