Thread: Which stroke is better when stropping

I have a Dovo Prima and while I am still waiting for my strop to arrive I have been using a 3''x12" piece of leather that I purchase from a leather shop and I'm not sure of which stroke is the right or best to use. I have tried keeping the razor straight and also use an X stroke and I find I get more draw from the X stroke. I would appreciate any advice that all of y'all could give me.

From what I have seen, a lot of strops are not wide enough to fit the whole blade on, hence the x stroke assures the entire blade makes contact with the leather. I think if the strop is big enough, either would work.

Thanks. I know the X pattern seems to have more drag to the blade than a straight draw.

Even on a 3 in. strop,an X or winshield wiper stroke should be used,JMO

Even if using a 3 inch strop throw in some x strokes to ensure that the entire blade makes contact. If getting more drag from the x stroke then check you aren't using more pressure.

You will get more Draw from an X stroke because you are getting full coverage of the edge,which is exactally what you want.