Thread: Pulling and tugging what am I doing wrong?

I was in a similar position, after getting a razor honed, 2nd or 3rd shave was very uncomfortable. An SRP member has been honing them and helping me out, narrowing down possible problems. We're now suspecting that the strop itself might not be doing much. I'm going to try linen then an old smooth leather belt, while I wait on a better one.

I recently had some issues with irritation and some rough shaving with my new razor as well. This morning, I did a single pass very gentle (and incomplete - I did the chin and under chin with DE) shave and have come to some conclusions (that may also apply to you):
1. prep was not great. I added a pre-shave oil, my face soaked it up - I had no idea it was so dry.
2. angle was terrible - as I have been advised, the spine is almost touching the face. I was nowhere near there until today.
3. stropping incorrectly. I took my time this morning, gave it 20 back/forth on pasted linen, 60 back/forth on the leather. I *really* paid attention to the feel and sound of it, and took my time. Spine and edge flat on the strop - no pressure - taught pull on the strop.

I instantly noticed a huge difference and now I realize what people mean when they say "no pulling": it's really none, zero. Good luck, and happy shaving!