Thread: Check My Strop

https://youtu.be/wJ9qaSihR8s

I'm about 2 weeks into straight razor shaving, and I'd greatly appreciate some pointers on my stropping. Unfortunately the mentor in my area is a too far for convenience.

--(Sorry about the youtube link, but I can't seem to post the video directly to the thread.)--

Basic info: Ralf Aust 5/8" blade, 3" SRD Latigo leather strop with poly webbing

I go for 15-20 on the poly webbing first then 40-60 on the leather.

How's my stroke? Sound good or bad? ​Thanks!

How do you like your edges after stropping. If your shave's are smooth with no pulling or tugging I would say your technique is good.

You are correct to focus on stropping, it is the first step in edge care and maintenance - and shaving with a SR is all about the edge...

Some very basic suggestions and this is all very very YMMV/personal.

Raise your mounting point to something at or higher than waist level. I found that learn to strop "level" easier that going up or down hill so to speak.

Try to learn how to roll your blade with your fingers and not by rolling your wrist. This takes a while to master but helps to allow you to keep the spine in constant even contact (critical)

If it helps, you can hold only the strop or webbing/fabric - letting the other piece hang.

Another learning step was to use a spring clamp to hold the strop on top of the counter, clamped up at the swivel end. You still need tension with your free hand but you take the too much/too little tension question out of the equation - turning your hanging strop in to a bench strop.

For many there are strong audible cues as they strop so it might help to dial down the background noise.

It's frustrating to learn until it comes together. Then it becomes (for many) a relaxing break in the day.

Hang in there...and Smooth Shaving..

Looks pretty good to me. I would use less of the strop. You look to get pretty close to the ends when you flip, it doesn't take much to hurt an edge.

As Above.Your using way to much wrist action,JMO

As mentioned your wrist is flipping your razor which could lead to rolling the edge, most of the action should be with your fingers. There's a great video in the SRP library by AFDavis11 that demonstrates close up the flipping part.
Practice with a butter knife till you get your technique down.
Lastly listen to the sound your razor makes, it should be constant and equal on both ways of a lap.

Try stropping with your eyes closed and just go by feel. Someone posted that a little while ago and it has helped me a great deal. It forces you to concentrate on the amount pressure you use.

Looks like you're on the right path.