Thread: Xs and rolling Xs

Originally Posted by Basset

Just to be clear: you mean with the spine flat on the hone as well?

Jimmy just answered this also, but I am going to take it one step farther,,,

Every single video and picture of the rolling x is an over exaggerated example because in the true stroke you can't really see what is happening... the stroke should probably be re-named to the "rolling pressure stroke", because this is what you are really doing, you roll the pressure to the edge, from the heel to the toe... you are not actually picking the spine up (I hope)... This is also why some of us advocate the heel forward X stroke for smilers, it is actually an easier stroke to learn and master, if you think it is not working, try a slightly stronger angle, you can also roll the pressure on this stroke BTW...

Here is the only true statement on honing, "If you push the edge equally across the hone it will give you a sharp edge" the only question is how to do that from heel to toe equally....If you get in the early habit of watching that ripple of water as the edge moves down the hone, honing becomes so much easier.... If the ripple is not moving equally down the edge something is not working right...


Edit: I have been using a slight heel forward stroke on every single blade since I started sharpening razors....I have always thought it gives a better cutting edge... (No proof of this)