X Pattern?

I've looked a few pages back in this thread to see if some else had asked this, but I couldn't find it. I'm sure someone asked this on the very first thread on the next page so I'm sorry if I'm asking a very tired question. I've also searched through the stropping page on wiki...

I have a 3" SRD english bridle strop, and it just looks and feels great. Seems to do very well to the edge. I realize that the X pattern is required on a 2" strop, but is it required on a 3" strop. I've finally gotten it down with having the razor inbetween my thumb and index finger knuckle, having my wrist at the correct angle, and not putting pressure on the blade. I've taken my time to make sure that all passes are even, good speed (as represented in the wiki) and with extremely little to no extra pressure. Both the spine and edge seem to be staying on the strop with out bouncing around like they did (especially the spine) when I first started. The strop is well secured, and at waist level.

The edges on both of my razors (Dovo Spike Point and TI 5/8) seem to be extremely sharp (I haven't touched the spike point since Lynn honed it, and I've had some beginners luck honing the TI,) but I was wondering if incorporating the X pattern while stropping would have an impact. With some of the videos on Wiki, I could see the guy doing an X pattern, but most of the guys were so fast that I couldn't tell. There is a representative diagram on the page in wiki showing the X pattern, but I can't find text instructing you to do it, or explaining why it helps out.

Also, is 50 strokes the average for every stropping inbetween shaves? It seems I've seen some guys mention as little as 15, but I can't exactly remember which post that was in.

Thanks guys!
~brian

Let me just say that if there is one thing I've learned here is that there are many ways to go about almost every part of this shaving stuff. I think you'd be just fine using your 3" strop in a straight stroke, but you wouldn't be hurting anything with a different stroke either (so long as the technique is there). If there is a specific advantage to a stropping motion, I do not know... I have never noticed a difference, but if someone else said otherwise it wouldn't shake my world up... I don't notice a difference though. :shrug:

As far as your stroke count... I seem to like 40 laps, but (and this is the key) your milage may vary. I really like to go to 40, but I've done less and I've done more with great results. 40 just seems to be my point that I settle in at. On the other hand, other fellas will have different routines, as long as it works :D.

Cheers
Dave

Thank you sir. I too have seen that everyone here seems to have "what works for them." You nailed it on the head with the technique bit, that is my worry at the moment for incorporating the X Pattern. I put a bunch of small nicks in my 2" dovo strop when I first started, and I want to keep this SRD as nice as I can. I can do the X Pattern, but keeping it at the consistency and speed that I'm doing straight would be a challenge. I'll work on it some more. Thank you again!

There was a thread some time ago on this and many guys felt that they got better results with the x pattern on the strop. OTOH, it was agreed that you could go straight up and down. Maybe go back to your 2" strop and practice the x pattern on it for awhile and when you feel confident with it go to the bridle leather with it. See if you feel like it is worth doing it with the x by your own results.

I know what you mean about being nervous about damaging the strop. I have a Kanayama that I've never tried for fear of nicking it and I've been at it awhile. Murphy's law y'know. :)

HAHA! You can only laugh about this! My roommate and I are going our seperate ways in a month. We're both just ready to have our own places, still close friends. Anyways, I have always "battled" with his cat Syd. I left my bedroom door open, on accident, yesterday and Syd went in there and totally scratched the hell out of my new english bridle strop. I could only be mad at myself, so I carefully sanded it down past the scratches, still looks beautiful and the draw is still the same. I wanted to kill the fat orange hairball, but I thought it was comical after the whole ordeal was all said and done. Now I'm not afraid to go at it with the X-Pattern on the strop anymore. Seems to be working out well for me.

Thanks for your replies!