Stropping Question

I've read that the "X" pattern should be used when stropping. However, in most of the videos I've seen the person is doing a "\" pattern. I mean that the diagonal pattern is constant both ways, i.e. there is no "X." Is this OK? OR is the X pattern better?

The "X" pattern is for generally for narrower strops. The "\" pattern is just slight, and is more for comfort or habit. Most likely you have only seen the latter on a 3" strop.

The point of the X on a strop is to strop the entire surface of the blade. It isn't always necessary on a wider strop.

Just IMHO though. Others may chime in with different answers.

Does anyone have a link to a video of someone doing the X pattern on a narrow strop? Every video I've seen is the / pattern.

A quick and dirty diagram.

Let me know if it doesnt make sense