Thread: norton 4k/8k and x pattern

Question to all, if Norton is the size of the blade is it still important to use x pattern? It seems to me that x pattern results in the front of the blade (sorry for incorrect terminology) remein in contact with the stone through the pattern whereas the butt of the edge is only in contact for a fraction of a stroke. Please explain

Most blades do not have a perfectly straight, even edge. They usually have a "smile" shape to some degree. Because of the "smile" shape the razor does not lay flat on the hone. The most effective stroke to handle that shape is the X pattern, generally speaking that is.

uhu..I think I understand, thanx

OK, try this.... when you lay the razor on the hone the angle is determined by the width of the blade and the thickness of the spine.. If the width of the blade varies, as in a blade with a "smile" shape, then the angle will vary. So the widest part of the blade makes contact with the hone but the rest does not.

I've only been honing for a few weeks, so I'm about a lifetime away from being competent, but I have an observation from my first few attempts. I honed on my Norton using the X pattern, and, because on each stroke the heel was coming off the stone straight away while the toe was experiencing the length of the whole stone, after a couple of sessions my razor ended up being narrower at the toe than at the heel .

The X pattern is held by many as being the best pattern because it creates angled striations on the bevel and is good for handling smiling blades or blades that are slightly warped. I use this pattern for these reasons, but, to avoid my previous mistake, I use far shorter strokes; probably about a third of the stone, moving the razor back up the stone and repeating. Lift the edge off the stone when sliding the blade back up. So I perform three shorter half-X-patterns down the hone, breaking the 8" of my Norton into three sections, flip the blade and do the same going back up the hone. I've been practicing honing on three other razors since and I haven't encountered this problem again. My technique has gotten better, which I'm sure helps, but I'm sure the shorter strokes are a good idea.

The shorter strokes were suggested to me by Scott (Honedright). Cheers.

Leon

Originally Posted by randydance062449

The most effective stroke to handle that shape is the X pattern, generally speaking that is.

*as if on cue*
I use the Rolling Hone method where the main point of contact of the blade with the stone gently rolls up the edge from heel to tip. Very little if any actual X motion is required, but I still lead with the heel. The objective is the same as with the X motion, but it's what works for me.

X

I have successfully used the X pattern for many years now and on thousands and thousands of razors. Why do I use it???? I feel it provides a better cutting motion on the stone and a better result at the end of the day on the edge. I also feel that it gives me a consistent stroking method when honing. It still works pretty well.

Scientifically speaking......I dunno................

Have fun,

Lynn

Using the "X" stroke helps to compensate for the "inconsistency" of the blade. If a razor is not completely straight, the entire length of the razor will not come into contact with the stone. If you keep the razor on a straight line down the stone you will be taking too much metal off in some spots, but not enough in others. This can result in premature wear.

While I, myself, am new to straight razor honing, but I work as a butcher and I sharpen curved, 10"+ blades all of the time. Using the "X" method in this application gives me the most consistent edge I am able to achieve.

But then again, I'd listen to Lynn more than myself.

Originally Posted by xman

*as if on cue*
I use the Rolling Hone method where the main point of contact of the blade with the stone gently rolls up the edge from heel to tip. Very little if any actual X motion is required, but I still lead with the heel. The objective is the same as with the X motion, but it's what works for me.

X

Man oh man am I still waiting with baited breath for the long awaited Rolling Hone video..............................I can't grasp how to do it until I see it visually. My narrow hones are working for warped razors just fine, but I have wider hones (Shaptons) that I'd like to use more on challenging razors and can't yet.

I hope it comes out soon!

Chris L

Originally Posted by Chrisl

Man oh man am I still waiting with baited breath for the long awaited Rolling Hone video..............................I can't grasp how to do it until I see it visually. My narrow hones are working for warped razors just fine, but I have wider hones (Shaptons) that I'd like to use more on challenging razors and can't yet.

I hope it comes out soon!

Chris L

As coincidence would have it, I just got done doing a small photo tutorial on it in the advanced honing forum.

I just took some quick snapshots while honing the other day, might not even be clear enough. But check it out and see if it helps... maybe.