Thread: X-Pattern, why?

I use the X-pattern for one reason. I don't really believe all the other arguments (not much of a believer here), but I know this one to be true:
Many razors don't make perfect contact with the hone's surface. The slightest warp or twist in a blade, or curve in the edge results in some parts of the edge touching the hone while other parts remain underhoned. Performing the X-stroke shifts the points of contact and in most cases deals with any contact issues. If not, the next thing to do is "the rolling X-pattern.
All the reason I need to prefer the narrower hones and the X-pattern. The issue of the heel receiving too little attention is easily solved by "curving" the X's a bit, so that the heel stays a bit longer on the hone.

Bart.

Not trying to hijack but do any of you use an x-pattern when stropping? I have a suspicion that it may explain the cuts that I read about in some posts.

Originally Posted by kelbro

Not trying to hijack but do any of you use an x-pattern when stropping? I have a suspicion that it may explain the cuts that I read about in some posts.

Yes I do, but only because my strop is not wide enough.

Originally Posted by kelbro

Not trying to hijack but do any of you use an x-pattern when stropping? I have a suspicion that it may explain the cuts that I read about in some posts.

yes, I do, and I even if my strop is wider than the blade I still would.

FOrgive me if this has been said, but I assumed ( I could be wrong) the x-pattern made the edge smoother. With the x, the stone cuts in one way in one direction and in another way on the way back. THerefore, it's continually buffing off the scratches made on the last pass.. Honing is scratching and if you just keep going back and forth you are to some extent deepening the same scratches. It's just like when you are sanding something. You change direction to make the surface smoother. Hope that makes sense.

Lots of good arguments.
When I started honing I had the same concerns, because 'common sense' says that you'd get a frown.
But after a LOT of honing, I'd have to say that it doesn't happen, as long as you can make even strokes with no pressure differences.

I think that the honing pressure and contact itself is the most important factor. If you cannot maintain good edge contact without pressure, then you will get a frown because you will scrape the middle of the razor over the edge of the stone.

The X pattern has a lot of advantages, but you have to learn to make proper, even passes in which you do not press down but still maintain contact. If you can do that, the X will not make your razor frown.
The combined experience with X pattern on the norton is > 10000 razors.
Someone'd have noticed by now if frowning was an issue