Being a newb myself, I have my strop set about chest high as well. When I first started stropping, I was holding the razor on the far end of the tang, closest to the scales and I found I just couldn't rotate/control it well. I later moved my fingers all the way to where the stabilizer of the blade is and I found I could rotate it much faster and easier if my fingers where there, try that. I do recommend a hanging strop, if you go slow, you won't nick it. The only time I nicked mine was when I got the urge to speed up when I wasn't supposed to. Also, you can practice on the linen side before venturing onto the leather side.