Thread: Can I lay a hanging strop on a hard flat surface?

I recently purchased a hanging strop with my first razor.

Would it be alright to lay the strop on a desktop while stropping?

On a different note:

When shaving, which is easier to clean the blade during passes, a large sponge or a cloth?

Take care,
Jason

Yes you can! Just watch the rise where the brackets raise the ends. I have always just used a washcloth on edge of sink or a shaving towel over my shoulder to wipe the blade!

Yes on the strop. Depending in the surface, you may be able to drape the rest off the edge, which will help hold the part on the bench flat. I use a damp sponge to wipe my blade when it needs it, but I also dip it under running hot water when it needs it, usually when I switch hands. I should add though that I have a high rise bathroom faucet.

Originally Posted by realdog4

I recently purchased a hanging strop with my first razor.

Would it be alright to lay the strop on a desktop while stropping? Sure, that's the cool thing about our sport...the only rules are that you get a good shave. If it requires you to lay your strop down to get used to the stropping motion...then do it.

On a different note:

When shaving, which is easier to clean the blade during passes, a large sponge or a cloth? What works best for you? I use running hot water. Do what works for you, experiment...

Take care,
Jason

You see Jason, the smooth and comfortable shave is the only "rule". There are recommendations like keeping a low angle on the blade while shaving, but as long as you get a good shave...who cares how you got there!

You definitely can lay a strop on a flat (!) surface. I still do it when I'm using my travel strop (which is smaller).

About the cloth\sponge: as said before me, it really depends on you :] There are no rules :]
But beware of two things:
1. Cutting your finger in a very nasty way.
2. Dulling your blade - wipe the blade very carefully, in a straight motion of the blade downwards. no zig-zags, no funny stuff. If you ask me, running hot water serves me best :]

You can lay the strop on a flat surface to strop your razor. It's the same principal as using a strop block. I use a loom strop I bought from Straight Razor Designs but it was pricey. As far as wiping it off, I prefer a clean towel as it works best for me.

I always rinse mine under the faucet. Personally, I recommend taking an old beater razor and slamming it into the faucet to see what a faucet can do to a razor. That will help you be cautious so you never do it with a good one. I didn't learn my lesson that way, but I wish I had.

Thanks guys. I always value your input. I sometimes ask questions that seem fairly intuitive but I rather be safe than sorry.

Take care,
Jason

Jason,

Yes, you can strop flat on a desktop. Just make sure the blade lies flat on the strop. I am curious, though, why you don't hang your hanging strop. As for wiping the blade during the individual pass, I use a standard wash cloth and it works well.

Since I shave after I shower, I just wipe/strop it down on the towel I'm wearing to clean it.
I haven't gotten brave/stupid enough to shave naked...