Thread: Two Questions from a New Guy (1 about stropping, the other: the left hand)

I have two questions:

-1.) is it possible to "over-strop" a razor?

-2.) I am just getting into straight razor shaving and wondering: how important is it that I learn to shave with both hands? Is this just a preference thing? or does using two hands lead to a better shave?

-Thanks

As far as over stropping there comes a point where your not getting nearly the bang for your buck that you would get in the beginning! That being said, I would say 20 to 30 passes on linen and 20 to 60 passes on leather is where you would want to be! Beyond that the improvement is negligible!

I only use one hand and have no trouble, so I think it is more preference than anything!

+1 on the stropping advice so far.
I use both hands but I think it is just down to how you want to develop the skill. When you start to shave, you will try a few different holds. Welcome and good luck!

You can do it and mess up and ruin an edge and if you do it on the linen you are very slightly sharpening so you can mess it up if you way over strop but that would be alot. Most stropping problems come from not enough stropping or poor technique. Not stropping right will ruin and edge super fast.

Great advice from the experts so far...

On the left handed topic, I've used my left since almost the first shave. I find that my right hand just gets in the way when shaving the left side. I recommend it, although most of it IS personal preference, and going the route of shaving single-handed is not uncommon.

Chris just brought up an interesting thought that might be the culprit of recent problems... Does linen do more sharpening than leather?

~Chris

I'm really unsure about over stopping. I normally use 25 linen and 75 leather. Can poor technique ruin an edge? Without a doubt. I have rolled an edge on a Lynn honed razor, so I'm qualified to confirm it can happen.
The left/right hand use is personal preference. I've watched videos of people shaving with only the right hand. It can be done. I personally use both left and right because it works for me. Not really that difficult, just takes some time.
Chris, I tend to believe the linen heats the edge which allows the leather to be more effective. Now if the linen is treated with paste, there should be some sharpening, but the leather is what polishes the edge to shave sharpness, and untreated linen or canvas heats the edge for a better shaping by the leather.

I find that if I try to shave the left side of my face with my right hand it significantly impairs my vision while shaving. I recommend that you experiment with using both hands.

Okay guys, thanks for your responses
So if I am really just wanting to practice my stropping (not only before I shave, but throughout the day), I don't need to worry about ruining my blade (assuming my technique is sound)??

Hi, use both hands. Go slow until you get accustomed to using your non-dominant hand. Your dominant hand will not be that far ahead in skill when you are starting out. It is easier to manipulate the razor in areas if you have two options and you will decide which suits you.

Monte