Thread: When to use an X and when to use a 45-X

Could someone please describe the exact difference between a "straight edge" razor versus a razor with a slight smiling curve? I'm mostly looking to figure out what distinguishes a razor that makes you use either the regular X stroke or the 45-degree X stroke.

I've never owned a brand new razor before, but it seems to me that all of the razors I've seen up close have at least a very small curve to them. I'm talking about tenths of a millimeter here. So how much of a smile does a razor have to have to figure out what stroke to use?

I know that the best answer to this is probably "try the different strokes out and see how they work," but I'm still not great at honing, and I'd like to eliminate as many variables as I can =)

Wait a sec, I just thought of something - could the marker test help to determine what kind of stroke to use?

I go by very simple rule - the stroke must ensure that the full edge of the razor gets in contact with the hone with the same (as little as possible) pressure throughout it.
The stroke is whatever it takes to accomplish this.

I guess a marker may help you determine if you're not achieving the desired result, just check it after each stroke as it doesn't take much to remove it.

I figure it out pretty quickly how much of an angle I have to angle the blade to get it to contact fully. But...I suppose I've got more experience than you.

At one extreme is the straight line. At the other is this: http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/t...u/royal-01.jpg

http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/t...u/royal-04.jpg

I've pretty much gotten into the habit of using about a 30 degree x stroke for everything. The only time I hone perpendicular to the stone is just for the novelty of it. I've never really understood why the 45 degree angle is supposed to help more with smiling blades. To me, they require more of a rolling x. I don't see why a 45 degree rotation in and of itself, has any impact on how the blade makes contact with the hone.

I've wondered about this but never had the sense to ask, so thank you to Huntmol.

Originally Posted by Utopian

I've pretty much gotten into the habit of using about a 30 degree x stroke for everything. The only time I hone perpendicular to the stone is just for the novelty of it. I've never really understood why the 45 degree angle is supposed to help more with smiling blades. To me, they require more of a rolling x. I don't see why a 45 degree rotation in and of itself, has any impact on how the blade makes contact with the hone.

I've wondered about this but never had the sense to ask, so thank you to Huntmol.

I am still amazed every time I pull a smiling blade off the hones and shave with it. It just works so well and is just so darned simple!!!

Kudos to Lynn for giving me the "secret".


My theory as to why it works:
The entire blade is not sitting on the hone evenly when the razor is 45*. And all the swarf collects right at the edge of the hone, just like a rocking stroke. Therefore, I think it works exactly the same, its just easier.

Probably easier because the difference in distance between the edge and the spine due the smile is made less by angling the blade. Therefore, the middle doesn't "rock" the blade as much allowing us to lay the blade almost perfectly flat.

I dunno, I just know it works.

Originally Posted by Utopian

I've pretty much gotten into the habit of using about a 30 degree x stroke for everything. The only time I hone perpendicular to the stone is just for the novelty of it. I've never really understood why the 45 degree angle is supposed to help more with smiling blades. To me, they require more of a rolling x. I don't see why a 45 degree rotation in and of itself, has any impact on how the blade makes contact with the hone.

I've wondered about this but never had the sense to ask, so thank you to Huntmol.

I agree 45 degree never worked for me just slight roll works straight away it s simple even at 45 degree the heal does'nt hit the hone it just stays on hone alittle longer

Originally Posted by huntmol

Could someone please describe the exact difference between a "straight edge" razor versus a razor with a slight smiling curve? I'm mostly looking to figure out what distinguishes a razor that makes you use either the regular X stroke or the 45-degree X stroke.

I've never owned a brand new razor before, but it seems to me that all of the razors I've seen up close have at least a very small curve to them. I'm talking about tenths of a millimeter here. So how much of a smile does a razor have to have to figure out what stroke to use?

I know that the best answer to this is probably "try the different strokes out and see how they work," but I'm still not great at honing, and I'd like to eliminate as many variables as I can =)

Just use marker test it is the best way to me then i alter my stroke to slight roll if needed which normaly is even on regular blades if you want to get the very toe and heal

Thanks guys! I'll have to give that 30-degree X stroke a shot

Use the magic marker trick no matter what angle you use. The one other clue to watch is the flow of water in front of the edge. It should move from heel to toe and not under the edge of the razor.