To clarify, I am literally letting the weight of the blade do the work right now and I am doing the X-pattern. When I want to strop away from me I tighten the strop and angle it up and then hold onto the handle and let the weight of the blade pull it down the slop and then I angle it down and do the reverse way. Only the weight of the blade. Only holding the razor so it doesnt fall to the floor. My hold is more of a cupping action than anything. I just keep hearing weight of the blade so I took it literally and apply no pressure at any part in the whole stroping extraviganza.