Thread: stropping for idiots

This may be a very idiotic question, but what about the sound?
I watch the videos and try to do it exactly like they do and be very light on my pressure, but I get no swish sound or however you describe it as I run the blade across. Does this mean press a little more? Or are the sounds different for a large wedge versus say another type of blade?
Thank-you for any help you can provide

Sound will vary considerably between different razors. A wedge will make very little noise where a full hollow will make quite a bit of noise.
Sorry cant see the video your talking about I'm at work and we have a web filter on so I cant watch You Tube
Grant

Grant-
Thank you for your reply. The video talks a lot about "hearing" it on the strop, and that is exactly my problem in that I do not hear the same swoosh type sound.
But I am using a big wedge, so your answer makes me feel better in that maybe I am not supposed to hear that sound.
Thank-you again

it can depend on the strop as well, lighter draw/drag like bridle wil give less audible feedback than latigo or buffalo b/c they are smoother creating less friction and less auditory feedback. learn by feel, now if you hear a shing high pitched sound, that "usually" eludes to lifting the spine mid stroke

Thank-you Tiddle for that information.
I am using a English bridle type and along with what Grant said about the wedge making less sound it seems to make me think these two factors together - maybe I just won't hear that swoosh sound.
The blade still shaves my head good so far without pulling or anything, so maybe it is all good.
Thank-you both very much

No problem, I think you hit the nail on the head there sir.

back on topic
how many laps ect

I usually do 25 linen/50 leather for daily stropping. 30 linen/60 leather post sprays, pastes, and honing. Works well for me so far.

Originally Posted by Night

This may be a very idiotic question, but what about the sound?
I watch the videos and try to do it exactly like they do and be very light on my pressure, but I get no swish sound or however you describe it as I run the blade across. Does this mean press a little more? Or are the sounds different for a large wedge versus say another type of blade?
Thank-you for any help you can provide

Sound will be different with different grinds. I think that before you try anything else try again with a little more pressure. You aren't going to hurt it if it isn't working. I understand why advice is given not to use to much but it can scare someone into not using enough. You are not going to hurt anything if it is dull already.

Thank-you 32t.
I will definitely try more pressure if it starts to get dull, because as you say - what could it hurt then at that point.
Thank-you all for the help