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

A wise friend from this forum told me that LOTS of leather passes could make all the difference in the world. He was right.

However, I am a very impatient (and slow) stropper, because I can't wait to move on to shave. So, instead of my normal (15 linen, 50 leather), I tried just a few linen passes to make sure the edge was clean, then, much as I like that "zip" sound on fabric, I started trying 10 on rough leather, then 25 minimum on a heavy draw (roo that I messed with too much with neatsfoot) and then at least 100 on a medium/light draw of which I have several choices ("Un-polluted" roo, english bridle, good basic SRP leather). I was amazed at the shaves I got when I started doing that.

Try it, you'll like it.

I have nothing productive to add; I just thought this was an interesting read. I'd like to have a stropping progression. Unfortunately, I need to expand my soap beyond this Van Der Hagen I'm trying to use up before I get "variety" in strops .

Time to bookmark another thread...

Originally Posted by Crawler

I have nothing productive to add; I just thought this was an interesting read. I'd like to have a stropping progression. Unfortunately, I need to expand my soap beyond this Van Der Hagen I'm trying to use up before I get "variety" in strops .

Time to bookmark another thread...

Well, do lots of reps upon anything smooth you have! Give the old VDH a few drops of glycerine!
Instant upgrade!

Stropping was somthing that I learned the hard way- ruined a couple of strops and several edges before finally getting it down! It does make a huge difference, I noticed that as my stropping got better so did my shaves...

Well without this thread I would have never know.
My name is Shaun,
and I am an excessive stropper.
No progression but I strop at least 100 on leather before every shave after 50 on felt.

Originally Posted by RezDog

Well without this thread I would have never know.
My name is Shaun,
and I am an excessive stropper.
No progression but I strop at least 100 on leather before every shave after 50 on felt.

Like Shaun, do what works for you and makes you happy.

As is the usual case in this forum, the right answer is in your head, not someone else's noggin.

Okay, gents. You have me thinking.

I have a Latigo/poly webbing strop from SRD and prior to shaving do 20 laps on the webbing and 60-75 on the leather. After shaving and drying the razor I do 10 laps webbing, 15-20 leather. I have two razors that are starting to struggle with tree-topping and aren't providing a smooth and comfortable shave. Would increasing the laps on leather to 100-150 return the edges to their formal glory?

What if I lightened my pressure for the last 50 laps? Would that be similar to progressive stropping?

Welcome Shaun to 'Excessive Stropper Anonymous'. Congratulations...The first step in understanding and dealing with your affliction is admitting you have it. Look in your local directory for meetings of ESA in your area. If you need personal guidance and help I would be glad to offer my assistance as a long distance sponsor. Just remember...there is help available and you Can learn to live with this affliction.

Originally Posted by RezDog

Well without this thread I would have never know.
My name is Shaun,
and I am an excessive stropper.
No progression but I strop at least 100 on leather before every shave after 50 on felt.

I find about 10 laps is usually enough........


Nah! Only joking!! I normally do at least 50 laps, but sometimes more if I have time. Can't see anything wrong with doing 200 laps if that works for you, but I've never done that many. Just may try it.