Thread: Stropping ?

It has always been taboo for me to strop after a shave, not sure why, just does not feel right.

Hmmm, I'd say the verdict would be a resounding YES to that question...


Mick

Originally Posted by Mephisto

It has always been taboo for me to strop after a shave, not sure why, just does not feel right.

IIRC There are at least 3 razor makers that recommend post shave stropping.

I have a strop with both nylon and leather. What's the difference?

Nylon first to warm up the blade then you use the leather side.

~20 Nylon
~40 Leather

Yes, or the night before your morning shave if you're going to be in a hurry. Makes a noticeable difference to me in the sharpness and smoothness of the shave, no doubt.

To pbsd, start with the nylon, about 20-25 strokes, then move on to the leather, about 25-40 strokes or more, depending on the type of leather, the blade, the feel, and what you like. The nylon will remove any seen or unseen gunk from the previous shave, and get the blade ready for the leather, and the leather will do it's magic in getting the edge keen and smooth.

Sweet thanks everyone.

It's best to strop twice. Once before heavily and another time after for a shorter amount of time. Before does the majority of the work and maintenance, after does a little touch up and most importantly it completely dries the blade to prevent rust and damage. I used to just strop before then after speaking with several of the MODs at a meet they convinced me to start doing the two step approach.

I've also started stropping after the shave, probably about 20 strokes both ways. I may even do 20 on days inbetween shaving when I remember. Then I do 40 or so just before the shave. It's all leather on mine as I'm on my first strop & it doesn't have the fabric backing. When I'm more confident in my stropping & my ability to not cut the hell out of it, I'll buy a better strop.

I've just started to pick up on the sounds & understanding the meaning of draw. When I first started I just didn't get it. My razor did sing a little last Sunday when I was stropping it before my shave, at least I'd describe the noise as more musical than I've heard before. I always make sure I keep the spine flat on the strop. No idea what it means, but it is a full hollow & it still seems to be shaving fine.

Hi,

Dovo say in their "manual" strop only before shave and after razor has rested (at least) 24-48h. They also say you can shave 6-15times before restropping is necessary...
Personally I do approx. 40 strokes before each shave and somtimes before each 2nd shave only.
Regards
Hajo