Quote Originally Posted by pcdad View Post
what's the difference between stropping on the spine and the way I described I was doing?
If I understand you correctly, you are emulating the way barbers in a movie strop their razors. Think for a moment -- those people are not barbers -- they are actors in a movie. They do not have any idea how to properly strop a straight razor. You should not be emulating them -- you should be emulating the SRP members who provided the stropping videos.

The reason you need to roll the razor on its spine when stropping is to prevent any undue pressure on the razor's edge. The edge is thin and fragile and easily damaged. If you "roll the edge" (damage it while stropping), it will be too dull to shave with and you will have to send the razor out to be professionally honed.

Another reason for rolling the razor on its spine is to protect your strop. The way you are stropping puts your strop at risk of being nicked or cut.

When you strop, make certain that both the spine and edge are in equal contact with the strop using almost no pressure at all. And be certain to roll the razor on its spine at the end of the stroke.
Namaste,
Morty -_-