Thread: Dulling my razor?

I'm fairly certain that while stropping, I'm dulling my razor. At the very least, I'm not helping it regain its sharp edge.

When I strop (using the Filly), I keep the strop taut, only use the pressure of the weight of the blade, and I am careful to keep the blade in contact with the strop for the entire motion. Needless to say, I also flip across the spine.

Each time I strop, I use 50-75 passes on the leather, and though it is horsehide, I can feel the draw. There is not a lot, but enough to tell that the razor is at least making contact.

What, possibly, am I doing wrong? I noticed when I stropped today that I do put a little pressure on the tang with my thumb; does this have anything to do with it?

I've read the wiki and watched the videos, but it looks like I'm off to do so again.