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 : )
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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 : )
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.
It also helps to prevent uneven honing because of small variances in how level the surface of the stone is.
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. :)
Because it works...............:)
Lynn
Lynn, I like your logical and easy to understand explanation.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lynn
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by StraightRazorDave
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.
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!"
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lynn
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...............:)"
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.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimbo
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.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lynn
:rofl2::rofl2::rofl2::rofl2: