Originally Posted by
Euclid440
“Is the 'odd stria' a cosmetic issue (or preference based on looks) or an edge issue? Or is this even a reasonable question?”
Yes, “Odd Stria” or diagonal stria reaching the edge will leave a larger chip and weaker edge. Cut a loaf of bread at 90 degrees and again on a 45 degree bias. The piece can be almost 50 percent larger.
Circles will remove metal quickly because of cross grain grinding. It is a good way to set a bevel after correction or to remove heavy 1k stria when moving up in grits. 20-40 circles on a 3 or 4k will help removing deep 1k stria quickly then remove the circular or diagonal stria with even straight or X strokes to get a straighter edge.
The edge will not get very straight until after the 8k, so just make sure you are honing to the edge, the heavy stria is removed and is even and uniform. Removing the edge with a jointing stroke and resetting on the next stone will make a straighter, stronger edge.