I just want to see those hips going. I use very little hip when I strop and I am always on the lookout for improvements to my technique...

On the pressure thing, it might help to think of how thin the edge is: I am not sure of the exact figures, but on a well-honed full hollow that edge must be somewhere in the order of maybe a fraction of a micron or thereabouts. Too much pressure on the edge will potentially bend and weaken that edge, particularly if you lift the spine.

In addition, if you think about the fibres of the leather brushing the striations of the metal, rather like a shaving brush stroking whiskers on your face, there's little to be gained by adding more pressure. You just need enough pressure for the contact to be consistent. Any more is wasted effort for little extra effect, and too much is potentially damaging and counterproductive.

James.