Since I've started honing my razors several years back I've bought the wide stones for the steadiness factor. Over the time I've gone to the two inch stones and found I like the feel much better.
I'm now considering purchasing the 1"x6 Coticule on Howard's site. The reason I'm considering this is it is about a third of the width of a straight blade. Using such a narrow stone would provide the most even wear along the length of the blade in beginning, middle and end of the stroke while using the x pattern.
My personal belief is that the narrow dimension of many vintage stones is perhaps for this reason. No I don't have anything factual to back up my supposition.
It seems that most of us eventually get several of different sizes as this is a fun and ever desiring more gear kind of hobby.
MikeB