Thread: Newbie from Missouri

Hi MemberFDIC,

I'm no expert on stropping, either, but my understanding of the reasoning behind stropping is to "repair" the blade after use. On a small scale, at the very edge of the blade, the metal can bend while cutting hairs. Stropping sets these little bends back in line so the blade is once again sharp. Stropping will not remove any of the metal from the blade, unlike honing. In fact, the actions of stropping are almost exactly opposite of honing since with stropping you are sliding the blade backwards along the strop, never ever forward. You must strop, obviously for every shave.

Pinklather was kind enough to send me a link to a thread you might find interesting:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...ch-2011-a.html

If you look at the comments, bmcgrath posts a video from Afdavis that shows excellent stropping technique.

You can imagine how any minuscule blade imperfections would be straightened back out by this mechanical action.

As for when to strop, I normally strop after I shave. Once you strop, the blade won't degrade in any way so I don't see the harm in any delay between stropping and shaving. Some people prefer to strop just before they shave; I think it's all a matter of personal preference.

As for blade fires, that's why I avoid magnesium ones. Actually, I shave so slowly I doubt I could catch a thermite and sulfur blade on fire.

Thanks for the link that was a great video. Seeing it done has really helped me out alot i think. Now I just have to find a place to buy my first razor. im having a hard time finding one. its hard to find a good beginners razor, although I dont mind spending 300+ on one later on when im good, i hope i can find a under 120 one for my practice shaves and strops and hones. alot of places are out of stock of almost all razor though.

Originally Posted by MemberFDIC

thanks for the link, I don't want to necro the thread so I'll ask my question here. they all say that they strop right before they shave, after the shower.. wouldn't it be easier to keep the benefit of the shower if you stopped right before you get into the shower, then shave right after so your face is still warm? not one person suggested stropping before the shower so i figured I'd ask. I always figured id strop first, get the shower, get out, and start my shaving routine then without having to waste valuable benefit by stropping. Hopefully my suggestion wouldn't cause the blade to sudden burst into flames.

I thinks your logic is good. I strop before my shower. My blades haven't burst into flame (or become piles of rust) - at least, not yet.

Charles

its hard to find a good beginners razor, although I dont mind spending 300+ on one later on when im good, i hope i can find a under 120 one for my practice shaves and strops and hones.

You can get a full kit from Straight Razor Designs (one of this site's main sponsors) for well under $200 -- it includes a Dovo "Best Quality" razor, hand-honed. That's all you need, and it's new.

You can get a "Sight Unseen" razor and strop kit from Larry at Whipped Dog Razor Sales for $50 or so, I think. The razor may not be pretty, but it will shave OK. And the strop will strop.

And you can check the Classified on this site -- razors start around $40.

Charles

PS -- I object to the term "beginner's razor". If a razor is sharp, it'll cut your beard. The beard doesn't care how much the razor cost, or whether it has gold wash or a worked spine.

Alright thanks! I'll be sure to visit both sites, It appears whipped dog will be on vacation soon, so ill order one from him, and one of the kits from SRD. that way ill have two razors. I'm sure the other will eventually come in handy.