How many times should I strop before Shaving?
Thanks
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How many times should I strop before Shaving?
Thanks
20-40 on the webbing / linen / canvas
then 40-60 on the leather
both with VERY light pressure only
be sure to keep the blade flat (spine and edge both touching) and roll on the spine for the next stroke.
Sounds good I'm sure I'm going to have fun
Thanks
You should strop until the razor's edge has improved to your satisfaction
I think JohnG's answer is a good guide to use until you get a better feel for your face and your razor's needs
thank you I'll try that :)
I agree, with the above. Another thing that I was told, was to do 10 strokes on the linen immediately after shaving. I therefore, only do 10-20 more on the linen, then 30-60 on the leather prior to shaving. I've been doing this for about a month now, and it has served me well.
Hello, fish4life:
All these gentlemen have offered sound advice. As a rule, I strop 25 strokes on canvas/linen and 75 on leather. I do prefer a 50 to 100 ratio, though. In time you will find your ideal ratio. Hoglahoo makes an excellent point: strop to your satisfaction.
Regards,
Obie
I got to agree with Obie on the 25/75 but just as important make sure they are solid good strops. That doesn't mean done heavily or too firmly it's just when you first start make sure you focus on good technique and not ruining your blade in an attempt to reach some number. But yes around 25/50 25/75 linen/leather or canvas/leather etc.
I always do 60 canvas 120 leather.
I always like to strop my blade alot. It always relaxes me and one of the funnest parts of my shave.
I thinks therefore I strop. Ok I need to stop the madness I've probably posted more times today than I have in a year.
I thought stropping right after a shave was a bad thing?
Instructions from Kropp razor box
My great grandfather was a barber and always stropped on the linen immediately after shaving. He said that it cleaned the edge, and that the heat generated by the friction evaporated any microscopic droplets of water. I'm no expert, I've only been using a SR for about a month-- but if it was good enogh for him, it's good enough for me.
I have read a lot of conflicting information on this issue and of course there seems to be people equally on both sides of the fence. However one good source. Which obviously is not so good, because I can't find it right now, makes the claim that because after shaving the microscopic teeth have yet to settle back down to their ideal alignment stropping after shaving will break those teeth off causing a rougher or more jagged edge. Whether this is true or not I do not know, nor can I tell the difference. I have not actually seen enough good photographic evidence under an electron microscope to know myself. But I usually don't bother to strop after shaving myself, but for no particular reason.
I think you're referring to the Dovo instructions that come with their razors.Quote:
Originally Posted by borebrush
They also say you should buy 2 & let one "rest" :w
I would dare say anyone who strops after shaving has not stopped the practice due to edge damage.
No it's not from Dovo instructions but again I make no statement either for or against, I was just merely reiterating one of probably hundreds of sources within the world of straight razor shaving that all too often provide much conflicting information which is why there is so much left up to personal preference. I challenge most any average straight razor shaver to definitively prove one way or another whether it makes any difference. I'd actually like to know. I personally can't tell the difference if I strop after shaving, however, since you did mention Dovo I might consider them a fairly reliable source of information seeing as how they have been around for such a long time and have spend quite a bit of money probably looking into these matters as well as probably having a much clearer grasp on the various characteristics of their metals. I doubt their recommendation of owning two razor is merely a sales ploy. That thought seems to be shared by many. Again I personally can't attest to any assertions as to yah or nay concerning this matter.
Both Torrey & Kropp provided instructions to strop their razors after shaving so one could say they are also a fairly reliable source of information too.
Just reconfirming for the OP that stropping after shaving is not a "bad" thing. Not Dovo bashing :)
Absolutely, I have no dog in this race. And I believe you are right in answering the OP question that in all likely hood stropping after shaving will not harm the razor I certainly have never experienced harm nor it seems have you. Just another funny part of rediscovering a lost art that was passed on through trial and error or apprenticeship only to now be thrust into a modern world of electron microscopes, lawsuits, and litigation. :)
I always liken it to fishing. Some guys prefer the high tide & some the low tide :)
I like that.
I have read that 20-25 strokes on a strop is all that is needed because the strop will not sharpen the blade. This information comes from several books, both new and old. So I was wondering what the 100 passes accomplishes? I do about 50 which is in the middle of the road.
As far as after shaving stropping is concerned: The one time I did not do the 20 passes on the nylon the blade began to rust. I cleaned it up and now always do the 20 passes to dry the blade.
PS. I am still a FNG
I do 30 material and 60 leather before each shave, and then 15 material and 25-30 leather after the shave to make sure the edge is dry and free from any microgunk.
This works very well for me and keeps my razors in good shape for a decent length of time.