X-Pattern

How do you do the X-Pattern? Is there a video of someone using it that I can see?

Its one of those things that is really simple but to explain it makes it seem complicated. Its really what it says, doing an X pattern with the razor. You start say with the toe on the hone and move up and diagonally at the same time so when you reach the top the toe is off the hone then when you reach the top flip the razor over and just do the opposite and keep repeating that pattern. Of course there are variations as to when you reverse the stroke however in general it works out to an X pattern. I'm sure one of the guys will explain it better and in more detail.

Randy's avatar kind of shows you how.

Okay, thanks. Now I understand what it is.

For me, the trick is to keep subtle, even pressure along the length of each lap.

X

I always read everyone saying you have to use an 'x' pattern, but assuming your hone is wide enough to accomodate the entire length of your razor, from toe to heel, there is no reason to use the 'x' pattern, is there?

Yes, there is. But you can get a pretty good edge just going straight down the hone, especially if you angle the blade as you go and keep the angle along the stroke without changing the angle too much.

Angled striations are believed to help in cutting, they supposedly work against each other (each side of the blade).

But in simple terms an x pattern is a good even stroke for a smooth bevel.

Its kinda like when you have a long spatula with chocolate icing on it and you instictively know that the most efficient way to remove the icing evenly is to PULL the spatula downward over the lip of the bowl instead of trying to push it across.

Your mind just knows that the smoothest most consistent and effective method will be to pull the spatula.

Maybe if we could see in our minds the extra rounded steel of a dull edge our minds wouldn't fight this x pattern issue at all.