Quote Originally Posted by thebigspendur
I think the main reason for the X pattern is because most hones that have been historically used were very small and you had to use this pattern to sharpen the entire blade. I know my Norton three inch fits the entire blade and I don't use the X pattern. I just go straight up and straight down and I get very good results.
thebigspendur,

Do you angle the blade, ie heel or toe forward or do you simply push the blade forward straight. Do you see a need for angled scratch marks?

jmsbcknr