Thread: The Learning Curve Continues...

When I want to save 5 minutes, I grow a goatee for the day. The need to strop the "crap" out of it as you say, I think is a variable. I rarely need to strop more than 6-7 strokes. But, as you can see, effective stropping can go a long way.

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

When I want to save 5 minutes, I grow a goatee for the day. The need to strop the "crap" out of it as you say, I think is a variable. I rarely need to strop more than 6-7 strokes. But, as you can see, effective stropping can go a long way.

I'm sure that the excessive stropping was only needed because my blades have never seen anything more than a paddle strop, which, after reading your "slow/fast stropping speed thread" I'm almost convinced i did more harm than good. So each of my blades is doing their part in breaking in my new Red Latigo strop. The "strop the crap out of it" quote I keep using is a poke in fun at Glen.

As much as I love stropping, it makes my carpal tunnel syndrome scream after just a few minutes. Sucks, cause stropping really is a relaxing pass time.

Floorpizza, I'm glad that the Kaptain's post would benefit others just as it has benefited me. I've had "luck" making lather soaking the soap and not soaking the soap, but lately I've had better results with the Kaptain's method. Congrats on the shave!

Kaptain, where are you???

I am glad you got it going on. I'd love to see the thread you're talking about for a re-read (lol)

While you are getting great results from your hanging strop, I think it is unfair to say that a paddle strop with similar leather would not provide the same results. Paddle strop is not my preference by the way, but you should be able to get exactly the same results with a paddle strop.

I too used a disposable straight (Feather AC) when I was learning to gauge the sharpness of my other straights. I still use my Feather AC when I am in a rush and want to save a few minutes on stropping.

Congratulations on your progress!

Originally Posted by netsurfr

While you are getting great results from your hanging strop, I think it is unfair to say that a paddle strop with similar leather would not provide the same results. Paddle strop is not my preference by the way, but you should be able to get exactly the same results with a paddle strop.

I too used a disposable straight (Feather AC) when I was learning to gauge the sharpness of my other straights. I still use my Feather AC when I am in a rush and want to save a few minutes on stropping.

Congratulations on your progress!

I think a full sized paddle strop would make a big difference. In my case, I'm talking about a four sided paddle strop that has bare leather on one side. This gives you a very, very small surface area to strop on. Much, much smaller than a two sided paddle strop. I'm sure someone with very good coordination could combine enough speed/accuracy to get some good results on that small of a surface, but it sure as heck ain't me.