Thread: getting my ducks in a row

Last night I ordered an Illinois #127 strop and some bay rum after shave. Now all I need to start shaving is to get my razors sharp. One of the helpful members from Srp offered to hone them for me on Thursday. Does anyone have some advice for me as to not destroy my new beautiful strop. Also I was wondering where most people hang their strops? Is it ok the leave them hanging in the bathroom and what is normally used as an anchor to hang it from? How is the appropriate height determined? Thank you.

Best way to not nick a strop is to practice with something razor shaped but not sharp like a butter knife, that way you learn the motion without putting the strop in danger

The manner of attaching the strop and height is dictated by what is comfortable to you and the kind of hardware you use to attach it. The possibilities are endless; hooks, nails screws, etc. Just make sure it is sturdy. As far as strop practice just go slow and focus on what you are doing. This is why we recommend buying as your first strop something you wouldn't mind nicking up. Yes you can use a butter knife but it's not the same feel. maybe getting a straight and taking the edge off and using that is better however in the end you learn by doing so I would just use the razor and be careful.

Originally Posted by Ragnarokk

Does anyone have some advice for me as to not destroy my new beautiful strop. Also I was wondering where most people hang their strops? Is it ok the leave them hanging in the bathroom and what is normally used as an anchor to hang it from? How is the appropriate height determined? Thank you.

Mine hang in the bathroom with no problem. Get a old cheaper strop and practice on that until you feel good about it. Otherwise I will bet $$$ it will suffer from your experiance level.

If you are meeting somebody who knows how to do this thing you should use the opportunity to ask them in person about every aspect you have questions. I.e. how to hang your strop, how to hold it and how to move the razor back and forth, how to make the lather, how to hold the razor. You'll have to eventually just do it all yourself, but seeing it demonstrated in person is very helpful for most people.

Thank you all for the advice. I have been practicing my stropping every day with a leather belt and an old dull razor.

Ragnarokk,

If you live in a dry climate and/or have an exhaust fan in your bathroom, by all means hang your strop there. If, like me, you live in a damp clime and have no fan...hang your strop outside your bathroom. Mine hang on the outside bathroom door frame, on screw eyes, at about 6 to 8 inches above waist level. This works very well for me.

Constant, or near, moisture is bad for carbon steel edges and leather. Where I lived before, I had both inside the bathroom and was aghast when they began to grow green beards.

Vintage Red Imp 700C Barbers' shell w/ rings added, neatsfoot oil infused - heavy draw
SRD Premium IV English Bridle with no dressing - light draw

I learned on the Red Imp. It has some battle scars. Even with years of experience, I managed to nick the SRD. It was bad... I was in a funk the rest of the morning. Learn well on your new Illinois before upgrading is my advice. Go slowly. Speed will come with experience. Just a little lapse in concentration will result in nicks...to your face and strop!

Hope this helps. Good luck with your straight razor shaving. It's a fun journey.
Jimbo