Greetings all, first time poster, newbie straight shaver.

The information I have picked-up just from lurking has been very helpful. But I did have a question that I have yet to see addressed.

Once a long time ago, I saw a barber honing his razor using a circular/oval pattern. Rather than make an X using a swipe, flip, swipe again pattern, this guy made an oval pattern, keeping the razor perpendicular to the hone. He did this a few times on one side and then flipped the blade to work the other side. I assume he moved the blade in such a way as to get the entire lenght of the blade.

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone has used this technique? Is it a safe alternative to the X pattern or is it not good for your razor?

Thanks for your comments,
~Robert