Thread: me vs. the fabric...

Originally Posted by ziggy925

I find a problem with many newbies that never seems to get answered in a post like this. If we are stropping incorrectly, there seems to be no way of knowing exactly what we did to screw up the razor. Visually you should be able to see if you are rolling the edge (letting the strop hang in a U shape or pressing too hard). You can also tell when you accidently grab the strop with the edge, and see it on the strop. But, when you watch the videos and feel you are doing it right, how do you know if the problem is a bad stropping, tough beard, or you just need to hone "your" razor more often.

Also, rather than a complete sharpening, wouldn't a few passes on something like a Swaty give you a good idea of how bad things are and what it would take to correct it?

I could suggest viewing the edge under magnification may tell a lot about your techniques but unless you know what you're looking for that may not help. If you're really stumped sending your razor to someone for assessment may give you answers.
Using a Swaty will tell you little about possible stropping problems but it may well mask them. Also if you have issues using leather a stone may actually magnify them.

Originally Posted by TTfireman

Okay, so I am by no means an expert, but one thing I believe I have gathered here thus far is that putting spray or paste on a hanging strop is a bad idea for a newbie (I am a newbie myself so I am not throwing stones). I seem to remember people talking about putting it on a paddle strop so it won't flex and roll your edge. Just a thought. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

I personally prefer a paddle for pastes but it's just that... a preference.

It's not so much about the strop flexing & 'rolling the edge'. It's more about your pressure, #of strokes (with pastes) & whether you lift the spine.

This sounds to me like you are getting some good information about your dilema. I would definately read and re-read that 1961 barbers manual of Jimmy's, about stropping. Pay close attention to the wording, it is spot on for the beginner and the technique to use.
I would also consider taking avatar up on his offer. It does sound like you might have overdone the diamond spray as opposed to rolling the edge. It seems to me that after 3 months usage, you would have rolled the edge earlier than this. That diamond spray, in fact any paste or spray, can be very agressive on the edge and takes some getting use to.
If you are going to try to learn how to hone, I would advise getting your practice razors in the classifieds here, as opposed to eBay. At least here, you won't get some junk someone is trying to dump on a new guy.

Good luck!

Enjoy!

Ray

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