Should you strop every time you shave?
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Should you strop every time you shave?
Yes, i believe stropping on leather is highly recommended before each shave
It is recommended that you strop since strops maintain the edge and supposedly corrects small issues caused by the act of shaving. I enjoy stropping. It is a pleasant activity when I am in my zone.
Yes, it's definitely a good
idea to strop before each
shave.
Terry
I do.
Right or wrong, I strop, paying particular attention to the sound and level of friction on the leather. I continue to strop until there is a noticeable change in sound pitch and the action of razor stroking leather no longer feels like it is getting smoother. For me, this takes about 25-40 up and down strokes.
This is just what I do and it seems to work well for me without over stropping.
Good luck!
I do. Partly because it helps keep the razor shaving well. Partly because of the ritual and tradition.
Michael
Absolutely. I'm also one of those weirdos who strops after each shave as well. To me it makes sense that doing so ensures that the edge is absolutely dry prior to putting the razor away. But that may be bunk - I honestly don't know. However it is now part of my ritual to strop both before and after each shave.
Yes, I should. Have you been watching me? Alright, I won't let it happen again. :D
You should try for yourself & see if there is a difference but I always strop before a shave.
At some point between your last shave and your next shave you should strop. That can be right after the shave, can be right before the shave or anywhere in between.
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
IIRC There are at least 3 razor makers that recommend post shave stropping.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mephisto
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
Dovo also say their razors are shave ready straight from the factory, but I've yet to find anyone who believes that :). Just sayin' is all.
Mick
Couldnt have said it better myself.Quote:
Originally Posted by MickR
this is marketing :)Quote:
Originally Posted by MickR
I strop after I shave and before I shave. I find after it helps me make sure it is dry and ready to be stored for the day/night and not worry about rust. Before I shave to make sure it is polished and ready to shave! If I use the green paste to sharpen it I always do it at night the day before and then strop it again as it seems to help increase smoothness of the shave.