Thread: What is my strop trying to tell me?

I strop my razor 40-50 times before each shave. The strop is narrower than the blade width. I've noticed that the strop seems to be roughed a bit on the right hand side near where the strop hangs from the vanity. Am I doing something wrong? I'm using strop oil and it seems to restore the leather

Welcome to SRP Takem01: Can you post a picture of your strop

This is the handle end

hanger end

Looks to be some nicks and your running the stabilizer on the edge kinda hard. , but that's just my thought. Tc

Originally Posted by tcrideshd

Looks to be some nicks and your running the stabilizer on the edge kinda hard. , but that's just my thought. Tc

I agree with Tc.
Also looks like your flipping the razor before you finish your stroke.
Lots of cuts i see [emoji51]

To me it looks like you are tipping the blade when you do the x stroke. Plus flipping the blade before the end of the stroke.

I had a terrible time when I first started with a narrow strop. I switched to the 3" wide strop and things got better very quickly. Three months later I could strop on a narrow strop without any problems. I still prefer the 3" strop, though.

Slow… down.

You are flipping while the razor is still moving forward.

Slow down, stop all forward movement then flip. Check your edge, you may have damaged and probably dulled it. Also make sure your pivot pin is tight makes stropping much easier.

You could sand the rough spots with some 400 or 600 Wet & Dry to smooth out the nicks. But first glue any loose flaps with rubber cement.

If you sand, wipe your strop down well with a damp cloth, keep wiping until nothing comes off.

If you are having trouble with an X stroke, strop the toe half then the heel half. Take your time, proper stropping will keep you shaving a long time. 100 laps should only take you a couple minutes. Long enough to let your pre-shave soften your beard and brush heat and soften up.

Thanks for the observations, everyone. I have slowed down and I'm pretty sure that the nicks are old. I'm switching to a 3" bison strop and think that should help, too. Sending this razor out to be retouched as I've just received another. I'll send pics of the new strop in a couple of weeks and seek more advice.

Thanks, again, everyone.

I had this problem. What worked for me is very light pressure on the strop, weight of the blade only. Try to envision the razor moving back and forth on its own with just its own weight evenly distributed on the strop.

Try going slower and using shorter strokes, about 1 second per one way stroke and 8 - 12 inches (300 mm) stroke length.

Keep the stabilizer off the strop.

It is all about control and paying attention to tactile and auditory feedback from the razor. Pay attention to what your face is telling you about stropping.

Do not hesitate to wipe the razor and strop surface if you feel any grittiness.