Thread: Razor "tug"

Not to encourage you to spend more, BUT.... I would buy a combo coticule instead of a Norton 4/8k.

I have an 8k, and a few coticules, and I would take the coticule any day. Better feedback, smoother shavin', and more versatile.

It does take a bit more technique (check out Bart's wiki entries), but it's worth it if you have some razors to practice on.

I got a stone from Howard, and one from Ardennes and both are awesome, and they frequent the forums, so you can't go wrong.

Here's how to tell when to use the linen strop: Do your leather side stropping like you've been doing (15-20 RT's and aim for a stropping rate of at least 80 RT's/ minute or more*) then wet your thumb pad and check the edge of your razor. If it feels sufficiently keen, no need for the linen. If not keen, strop on the linen side about 12 RT's then finish on the leather side another 15-20 RT's and check with your thumb again. If the edge feels like it's getting keener by doing the above, but not quite where you want it to be, strop some more on the leather side, thumb check again and then try shaving.

See how that works.



Scott


* Yes, this is a fast rate for a beginner. You will have to work up gradually to this speed otherwise you risk cutting up your strop, or worse. If you are an experienced straight razor user (1 year or more), 80 RT's/ min + shouldn't be too difficult a speed to attain. It is my personal opinion that speed is an important factor in getting the best results with a strop.

PS - I tend to use the linen strop each time. And that is another approach to the question.

Try as I may, I cannot avoid appearing thick of wit. What's a RT?

Originally Posted by Bruce

Try as I may, I cannot avoid appearing thick of wit. What's a RT?

Sorry - RT = Round Trip = one complete trip up and down the strop.


Scott

even with my razor sharp i had a little pull but it was due to poor face prep. after i started swirling the brush instead of using it like a paint brush it brought my shaving to a whole new level




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