Thread: X-pattern for stropping

So, I've read a bunch about how it's best to use an x-pattern to strop a razor on the 4-sided paddles from Tony. What does that mean? Is an x-pattern the way shown in the instructions that came with my paddle? Or is there something else involved? I've looked around and can't find a specific explanation beyond the obvious of what it is. Is there a video of someone stropping in an x-pattern I could see?

Do a search on youtube. There's a few videos and one in particular from a guy called Mantic (handle) who is using a thin strop.

The type of strop doesn't really matter whether its a paddle or hanging. An X pattern is what is recommended however having said that alot of guys use these wide strops and don't use an X pattern and report great results so I would experiment and see what works best for you. I do the X pattern but thats how I learned and you can't teach an old dog new tricks.

Two reasons for X patten stropping.
1. The strop is too narrow to encompass the length of the blade.
2. The surface of the strop is not uniformly flat, so an X pattern insures all parts of the blade edge touch the surface during some part of each stroke.

Look closely at the direction arrows in the stropping diagram shown in the old barber's guide shown in this link:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/showthread.php?t=20838

Another reason to consider: the cutting angle of the micro-serrations created by honing with the X pattern.

And this is irregardless of the width or surface quality of the strop.


Scott

Originally Posted by honedright

Another reason to consider: the cutting angle of the micro-serrations created by honing with the X pattern.

And this is irregardless of the width or surface quality of the strop.


Scott

Actually, the odd thing about this is that the micro-serrations made by x pattern honing is perpendicular to the path of the x pattern for stropping shown in barber manuals. In order to strop in line with the honing serrations, stropping would have to be done in a toe to heel pattern rather than the heel to toe stropping shown in barber manuals. This is an experiment I have intended to try for a long time.

Originally Posted by honedright

Another reason to consider: the cutting angle of the micro-serrations created by honing with the X pattern.

And this is irregardless of the width or surface quality of the strop.


Scott

irregardless |ˌiriˈgärdlis|
adjective & adverb informal
regardless.
ORIGIN early 20th cent.: probably a blend of irrespective and regardless .
USAGE Irregardless, with its illogical negative prefix, is widely heard, perhaps arising under the influence of such perfectly correct forms as: irrespective. Irregardless is avoided by careful users of English. Use regardless to mean 'without regard or consideration for' or 'nevertheless': | I go walking every day regardless of season or weather.

Sorry, it's a pet peeve of mine. Don't even get me started about nuclear or in Dubbaya's case, nuculear!

The X pattern actually comes naturally on a hanging strop. Typically, you stand to your strong side (e.g. right side if you are right handed) of the strop. In this position, it is very difficult to do anything but an X pattern. At least this is what I have found. I have a 3" strop, so the X pattern is not really necessary to cover the entire blade, but I just dont see how I could do stroke parallel to the strop with out some serious contortions.

Originally Posted by fccexpert

The X pattern actually comes naturally on a hanging strop. Typically, you stand to your strong side (e.g. right side if you are right handed) of the strop. In this position, it is very difficult to do anything but an X pattern. At least this is what I have found. I have a 3" strop, so the X pattern is not really necessary to cover the entire blade, but I just dont see how I could do stroke parallel to the strop with out some serious contortions.

Hmm, fwiw, I stand at the end of the strop - holding the D-ring with my left hand at my left hip. This does allow me to go straight up and down. I'm not saying one is better just more stuff to chew on.

Jordan