Thread: I messed up my razor

Originally Posted by relli1130

This would only be a result of having a strop that is less than 3” wide though right? I get what you are saying...if I owned a strop that was 2-21/2” wide I would probably use the same technique. Or are you using this technique with a 3” strop?

As a strop cups, curls over time and season and the usual methods of stropping take that curl into account by using the full width of the strop. I had a wide strop starting out and it caused a bit of difficulty when there was a change of humidity.
I do believe we have answered your questions and self justifications. Let it die and go to the Library to continue your education.
~Richard

With a 3" strop or a 2" strop, it will get the full edge better than a straight up and down lap. 3" is good for a beginner because he will be able to keep his razor on the strop easier, but then again if you learn on a 2 1/2 you will learn to right. This is also why a heel leading or toe leading stroke works, the entire edge will get the same amount of exposure to the leather.

It will work straight up and down, but over time it will not get the toe and heel as much as the middle. Think about how if you hone without an x stroke or windshield motion you will hone a frown over time

Another answer, if you must have a wide strop to do the work,
Get a paddle strop. It will not cup or center-raise and can give you a good long service.
~Richard

Originally Posted by Geezer

I do believe we have answered your questions and self justifications. Let it die and go to the Library to continue your education.
~Richard

Self justifications? I’m here to learn, asking questions out of ignorance or personal observations. Go to the library... will do. Thanks.

Originally Posted by Geezer

Another answer, if you must have a wide strop to do the work,
Get a paddle strop. It will not cup or center-raise and can give you a good long service.
~Richard

I agree- which is why I recommended it in my original response.

Originally Posted by Wayne1963

You were steered in the wrong direction about sharpening a razor with sandpaper. I use a belt sander for my knives, but never use it on a razor.

If you want to learn about all things straight razor related, the library here on SRP is the best source.

I would toss the gold dollar razor, or save it for practice honing in the future.

You're probably bummed out. Don't get discouraged, we all have things we wish we could do over.

Just a note on the gold dollar, i bought one a few years ago just to see for myself what they are like, it as maybe $15-20 i dont remember, but yeah, it was a bit of a mess. i did however keep it and sometimes use it to burnish freshly lapped hones.

I have several 2.5" wide strops and all i do is regular strokes, my method is do some strokes hitting the heel then some hitting the toe and I alternate back and forth during my stropping session and it seems to work well. I did try to force myself to try an X stroke using a beater but all i managed to do over the couuse of several weeks was nick or lightly cut the leather so i gave up and went back to what my brain and hands were telling me was right, nothing wrong with do X's or whatever but the extire edge has to hit the leather and for me I just incorporate a few wxtra strokes to get this done and my blade and shaves seem not to suffer.