Thread: Why do x pattern on a big enough stone?

If you want to get technical I do think there is no need for an X pattern, but only if you can take out the human element. Perhaps if you could make a honing robot the X pattern would be obsolete. But for us mere humans, I think we have to use the X pattern to accommodate the most subtle variances in each stroke.

Originally Posted by Jimbo

I reckon there is an element of ergonomics involved with an X-stroke. To me a stroke that maintains a completely straight movement of the razor along the length of the hone is not as natural as one that incorporates some lateral movement toward the dominant side - particularly if your honing motion comes more from the elbow and wrist than the shoulder. Perhaps an X stroke "works" for most people because an X is a more natural and confident movement for most people??

That's certainly possible. Though you could also take the hone and align it so that the path the razor would take on that x stroke is now coming straight down the hone right? If it's the path that's important then the alignment of the hone can be changed to match the path? The reason I mention this is that I don't do the X stroke except on narrow hones, but I also handhold my hones for comfort reasons, and I angle them so that I get a natural-feeling stroke while still coming straight down the hone. For smiling blades I tend to use both a rocking motion with my wrists and a rocking motion of the hone to get the job done.

You don't have to use an x pattern. Might help a bit at the end when you're pushing for super sharp.

The x pattern is more about pulling the razor off the hone. Its a little harder to push a razor down a hone without pressure. Practice a bit and you'll see.

Are we in the newbie section? No . . . cool.

If your just honing a razor up for general shaving, and you know what your doing, the varied sharpness of the edge isn't prevalent. Keep in mind though when your done that there may be a reason why barbers have always recommended using the base of the razor for the chin area. We have scores of members that find the chin area a challenge. There might be a little coorelation.

Keep in mind that typically, those folks that are not willing to learn a perfect stroke pattern on a hone start with one question "Why do I need to use a x pattern?" And my reply at this point is "Why would you ask?"

I believe the fundamental challenge with honing is learning a good repeatable stroke.

Originally Posted by Lynn

Because it works...............

Lynn