Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 14
  1. #1
    Emerging Straight Razor Shaver BScott1122's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Posts
    24
    Thanked: 0

    Default Why do x pattern on a big enough stone?

    do u have to do x patterns on a norton stone because norton stones are bigger then the blade. would the x pattern actually be worse cuz u have parts of the blade that stay on the hone longer then other. any help or info would be good thanks : )

  2. #2
    Electric Razor Aficionado
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Posts
    3,396
    Thanked: 346

    Default

    The heel of the razor tends to get more pressure, so the x pattern helps even out the hone wear. But it's not a requirement by any means.

  3. #3
    Scale Maniac BKratchmer's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Decorah, IA
    Posts
    2,671
    Thanked: 641

    Default

    It also helps to prevent uneven honing because of small variances in how level the surface of the stone is.

  4. #4
    Woo hoo! StraightRazorDave's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Toronto, ON
    Posts
    1,257
    Thanked: 309

    Default

    If the razor has even a slight smile in it, a straight stroke will not touch the entire length of the bevel. The X-stroke helps (among other things) to give the entire length of the edge the attention it needs.

  5. #5
      Lynn's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    St. Louis, Missouri, United States
    Posts
    8,454
    Thanked: 4942
    Blog Entries
    2

    Default

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

    Lynn

  6. #6
    The only straight man in Thailand ndw76's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Bangkok, Thailand
    Posts
    1,659
    Thanked: 235

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Lynn View Post
    Because it works...............

    Lynn
    Lynn, I like your logical and easy to understand explanation.

  7. #7
    Electric Razor Aficionado
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Posts
    3,396
    Thanked: 346

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by StraightRazorDave View Post
    If the razor has even a slight smile in it, a straight stroke will not touch the entire length of the bevel. The X-stroke helps (among other things) to give the entire length of the edge the attention it needs.
    That just requires that you use a rocking stroke, which can be done as part of an X stroke or just running the razor straight down the hone.

  8. #8
    There is no charge for Awesomeness Jimbo's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Maleny, Australia
    Posts
    7,977
    Thanked: 1587
    Blog Entries
    3

    Default

    You know, this raises another issue for me that I have not given a lot of thought to, but that's never stopped me before ....

    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??

    James.
    <This signature intentionally left blank>

  9. #9
    Senior Member huntmol's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    243
    Thanked: 41

    Default

    haha I have asked this same question, and I can tell you that even though it is difficult to conceive, Lynn undoubtedly gave the best answer - "Because it works!"

  10. #10
    illegitimum non carborundum Utopian's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Rochester, MN
    Posts
    11,544
    Thanked: 3795
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Lynn View Post
    Because it works...............

    Lynn
    Absolutely correct. There was a member about a year ago, I won't name him in case he comes back, who absolutely insisted that there was no need for an x-pattern. He repeatedly posted his complaints about failing to successfully hone a razor despite "four hour honing sessions." I and many others tried to convince him that he needed to try the x-pattern but he had already proven with his own logic that there was no need for the x-pattern on a large hone. He was confident in his beliefs, but he never succeeded in honing a razor.

    I offered to hone a couple razors for him. I offered to send him a couple of my razors to try shaving with. He refused both offers because he was confident in his belief that there was no need for the x-pattern. Last I saw of him he sold all his honing gear. He might have been right, in his own mind, but he never got a razor sharp.

    Regardless of the size of the hone, use the x-pattern "Because it works..............."

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •