Thread: Well that was quick...

If so, you won't be the first neophyte to dull a blade while stropping. I think it's part of the experience. It definitely gets better.

As long as it's a little dull -what a great time to practice your linen work. That's kinda what it's for. Lot's of guys get by without paste, some live by it.

I'd think if you tried 50 with your usual leather count and test, by the time you had 150 laps on linen you will know if its back.

I say that because if i do 100 on linen and it's not shaving I'll hone.

edit: It might just as easily be that you have not dulled it, only that thus far your stropping has not been truly effective. After 8 shaves without stropping the edge does feel just as you describe

I've been taking 15 passes on linen and 40 passes on leather. Through my reading here on SRP, 10-20 linen passes and 30-60 leather passes seemed typical, so I tried to keep it in the ballpark. I'm not discerning enough yet to tell if I need more or less. Sounds like I could use a few more passes, but you tell me.

It's helpful to hear the # of shaves you guys go through before touching up your blade. Its also helpful to hear your touch up routine before your razor makes it all the way back to the coarse hone. If I can pick up a fine hone and start to maintain my razors without the fear of over honing, this sounds like a good way to ease into honing my razors.

I like the idea of building/assembling a strop for paste. This build would be a fun weekend (or two) project. I havent sent in my razor yet and am thinking I would like to try this first. sffone, or others, can I get more direction/info on the paddle strop build? Links or otherwise? I'd gladly take this on and post some results.