Incorrect or Overstropping Question From A New Guy

I just read this article http://straightrazorpalace.com/strop...rstropped.html from Alan and I have a question if there is a way to figure out if I ruined my edge by stropping with too much pressure. My I have only shaved with my Dovo Best 6/8 a few times, but I got it from SRD, so I know it came shave ready. First shave obviously didn't go great, but I know a got a few good strokes in where it really felt smooth. This morning I shaved about 75% of my face and I honestly don't think I got a single really smooth stroke. Lots of irritation afterwards. Not very pleasant.

I am sure my technique is the main cause of these problems, but is there a way to know if I dulled the edge by stropping with too much pressure? I tried the HHT and I have no idea if I was doing it right, but it would not cut the hair.

Also, if I did dull the edge, is there anything I can do without honing stones or strop paste?

Any feedback would be great.

Ryan

I'm not the greatest at fixing edges without re-honing but I know when I first started, I wasn't stropping enough - just a few strokes and I thought I was good to go.

Maybe try stopping again, using as little pressure as possible until it seems like you're making progress. Keep in mind, you're still very new and your technique isn't consistent yet so these issues may still be due to user error rather than stropping. Very hard to say either way, though.

I am pretty sure i am stropping enough. I would say i stropped at least 200+ laps before my shave this morning with as light as possible pressure. I wish I could shave again sooner to practice and see if more stropping will help.

Well, if you rounded the edge the razor won't shave well at all. Of course this is complicated by the fact you are a rookie and it could be a technique thing too.

What I would do is it try a few really simple easy strokes don't your face and if it still doesn't shave properly there is a good chance you rounded the edge. Depending on how bad the rounding is more stropping may not help and the razor may need a hone or pasted strop.

I feel good about my stropping when the blade produces a "zing zing" sound. But I don't have that assurance with a heavy blade like a 7/8. In that case I look for a smooth sound. I do think, however, I'm stropping properly and in time I'll feel more confident about it. I'm still having difficulty keeping my wrist from bending.

Hi,
I answered at this similar post here:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/strop...tropped-3.html

Down the bottom of that page; the longer post of mine.. :-)