Thread: Took my time and 200 perfect strops.....What a difference it made the blade

Perfect practice makes perfect. I have two blades, and often I will sit and watch a movie or ESPN and just strop one. But you are right...and you're face will give you feedback. If it works (and you have time) strop that puppy 200 times!

v/r,

Charlie

Spare the strop, spoil the blade!

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Spare the strop, spoil the blade!

Funny but very apt Tom! I am a huge believer (as i know you are) in what some folks would call over-stropping, but I call a necessary part of blade edge set-up and maintenance. I routinely strop a newly honed blade 300-400 laps progressively on several strops from heavy to elegant to very slick, to set the blade edge.

It really works for me and many folks whose blades I've honed have remarked on the smoothness of the edge! Spare the strop...indeed!

Agreed, Mike. All talked of is honing, but stropping is like the stepchild. So many complain of edges using this hone and that.
All of my most effective and comfy edges have been developed with strops after the honing. Progressive leathers works for me as well, YMMV

Well, FANTASTIC!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by FAL

Well, FANTASTIC!!!!!!!

Don't take our word for it, those will come along saying 20 laps is fine!

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Don't take our word for it, those will come along saying 20 laps is fine!

Yea, that's double what you need, but it all depends entirely on the condition of the edge off the hone. If 1,000 passes on a strop feels better, go for it! When I started out I used 100 to 200 passes on linen and 60 on leather. Now I can settle out a razor (with lots of stropping) and just strop a touch before each shave.

I'm a slow stroper, and have no desire to strop at lighting speed like you see so many guys do. I've seen first hand someone who just couldn't get it out of his head that stroping fast was just so cool. He kept coming back to me saying, the edge you put on my razor is so sharp, and then after I strop it, it goes bad. I show him exactly how he should be doing it, nice and slow, and he still flails away with a limp wrist.

Stroping correctly will make or break a newcomer to wet Shaving. Concentrating on that blade laying flat, and going slow is key..... did I say it's KEY!

Keep at it! Your following the right path.

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Don't take our word for it, those will come along saying 20 laps is fine!

20 laps is fine !

I can see the "less is more" tenet is not being applied here.

I'm telling Lynn

Originally Posted by onimaru55

20 laps is fine !

I can see the "less is more" tenet is not being applied here.

I'm telling Lynn

Thanks, Oz! I knew one of you old-timers would be along. I am certain Lynn needs the entertainment! Whatever you do....Just don't tell Robin!

Bruce