Thread: Stropping Question

In my attempts to learn to strop properly I had a thought and would like to ask all of your opinions. Would it be bad to just practice one direction for a while and then switch and practice the other direction for a while. Basically I would lead with the edge and stop away from me for 7-10 strokes and then flip and strop back to me for 7-10 strokes. Would this be bad?

I cannot see why this would be bad. I cannot see how it would help you learn to strop properly, either. The idea is to train your muscle memory, so that eventually, you end up with a fluid motion.

Originally Posted by BeBerlin

I cannot see why this would be bad. I cannot see how it would help you learn to strop properly, either. The idea is to train your muscle memory, so that eventually, you end up with a fluid motion.

I should mention that I would only be doing to this to the 1 shave ready razor I have. I fear that while learning to strop properly I will dull the razor. I have the technique of flipping etc down but I worry that when doing it the taught way I will be dulling the blade. By doing one way with several strops and then flipping and doing several the other way I might pay closer attention.

Originally Posted by lamontqsanford

Basically I would lead with the edge

If you lead with the edge you'll cut your strop in half. Lead with the spine, the opposite of honing.

Originally Posted by lamontqsanford

By doing one way with several strops and then flipping and doing several the other way I might pay closer attention.

I think the answer is just to pay close attention anyway. It'll be easier for you in the long run to learn to strop correctly from the off. As Robin say's, muscle memory is built up & then in no time it becomes second nature. Just take care & go for it. It's something we've all had to learn & while you may experience a few teething troubles, you'll overcome them.

Originally Posted by ben.mid

If you lead with the edge you'll cut your strop in half. Lead with the spine, the opposite of honing.



I think the answer is just to pay close attention anyway. It'll be easier for you in the long run to learn to strop correctly from the off. As Robin say's, muscle memory is built up & then in no time it becomes second nature. Just take care & go for it. It's something we've all had to learn & while you may experience a few teething troubles, you'll overcome them.

Sorry, I misposted. I do lead with the spine.

I think I take your advice and just keep doing it the "shown" way.

I did think it a bit odd that you'd lead with the edge, but decided i'd better mention in case you did some damage!
You'll pick it up in no time. Really. Just take your time, & get the technique sorted out & you'll find the speed follows.

I am in the same boat. I am learning to strop on the only SR razor I have, and I have been doing it for about a week and a half, and I am still going slowly, but I am doing the whole x pattern, while rolling the on the spine.
I find I have to pay close attention, or I find myself not doing it right, then I have to strop longer to make up for it.

Getting to the point of a fluid stropping motion takes time and practice. It took me ages and many mishaps along the way.

The key to fluidity for me was the flip at the end of each stroke, and I found the key to the flip was the grip (hey, that rhymes! ). It most likely varies from person to person in the detail, and this is what practice will perfect for you - but only if you practice it. Just practising moving your arm in one direction, without including a flip each time, will never help you develop the flip.

So I would recommend practising the entire stropping motion, not just parts of it. That is what you are aiming for in the end, so that is what you should practice IMO.

James.