Thread: This vid helped me alot!

Originally Posted by idkid

Hi Obie,
I want to make sure I'm following you correctly. Are you saying stroppers should use different grips depending on the type of strop? or should the grip be the same regardless? My original question was more focused on the grip while stropping, which I thought seemed a bit different between the two gents. Any thoughts?
idkid

Hello, idkid:

If you notice, to some extent the grip in the two videos is similar: the wrist does not move and the fingers pivot the razor on the return. The grip cannot be the same in the two versions, because one is used for a hanging strop and the other for a paddle. The principle, however, is the same.

Please note that like anything else in the world of wet shaving with the straight razor, stropping also is influenced by personal preference. There are no set rules. What matters is the optimum method the shaver chooses for him or herself.

For me, although I do not own a paddle strop, the style AFDavis employs is ideal. He has an excellent style for the paddle strop and gets the job done well. If I were to use a paddle strop, I would emulate his style.

I use a hanging strop and my style is similar to hi_bud_gl's. That style is optimal for me as well comfortable. It accomplishes everything my humble razor expects of my strop. There are no wasted movements, and the job is done well.

Other gentlemen might prefer their own stropping styles, and recommend them. That's fine. Choose the method that works best for you. When I recommend a stropping style to newbies, the two in the videos noted are my selections. Other veteran shavers might suggest other style. That's fine, too. It's personal.

The two videos noted are excellent in every respect and I recommend them. I also thank the gentlemen who made them. Good stuff.

Regards,

Obie

Thanks Obie for clearing up. I thought that's what you'd say and just wanted to make sure. Indeed, these are some great and helpful videos!
idkid

Hello, idkid:

You are very welcome.

Yes, these are excellent videos by top SRP pros. Their depth of knowledge in the world of wet shaving with the straight razor receives a big nod from me and other SRP members.

If you have more questions, please feel free to ask. Everyone here is more than willing to help you. Stay well.

Regards,

Obie

Thanks for today's reference to this video. Sham's technique is perfect. Super example.

If I may reply. I'm not a "right or wrong" kind of person. To me there are three key elements. Holding the shank so that you can easily flip the blade, without moving the wrist. Releasing the grip for the transition, and finally, having control of the shank after the release so that the razor edge doesn't push too hard into the strop. It would probably be more accurate to say that I control the pressure of stropping, as the razor moves in both directions.

I can put my fingers on the sides of the shank, as Sham recommends, but I end up with the same result, except I have more trouble adjusting the torque pressure if my thumb ends up on top of the shank. On top of the shank cleanly, I can only add pressure or not add pressure. From the corner of the shank I can control the blade better (for me), because I can also lift the edge, reducing pressure, which I think is important, sometimes.

I usually reserve the "right and wrong" views based on some documented source. I've taught too many people that simply couldn't do things in the "right" way.

Also, a paddle strop often has less "give" than a hanging strop and pressure control is paramount. I use the exact same grip, for maximum control, with a hanging strop because I employ a variety of pressures when stropping (and I like simplicity).

Really good videos
Easy to follow
I learned a lot just listening and watching