A stropping challenge

**AlanII** · 06-23-2009, 04:52 PM

Yeah, OK. I'm going to wait the two weeks for you to explain this seeming madness before trying, if ever. Genuinely interested in your explanation, don't get me wrong.

**holli4pirating** · 06-23-2009, 05:26 PM

Maybe I'm wrong, but this sounds the same as just touching up your razor before every shave. Yes, I'm sure you'll get better edges. Yes, you will remove more metal than you need to. No, it probably won't result in a significant shortening of the blade's lifespan. (At least I'm pretty sure those are the answers to those three questions.)

**Seraphim** · 06-23-2009, 05:34 PM

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

Maybe I'm wrong, but this sounds the same as just touching up your razor before every shave. Yes, I'm sure you'll get better edges. Yes, you will remove more metal than you need to. No, it probably won't result in a significant shortening of the blade's lifespan. (At least I'm pretty sure those are the answers to those three questions.)

That what it sounds like to me as well.

I prefer white pasted canvas to do the same thing, but with a more gentle, and loving touch....

**singlewedge** · 06-23-2009, 06:58 PM

So if you are using a 12k 20k or other barber type hone being fine in grit and you use the weight of the razor with the spine leading, how can you remove a lot more metal than you have too?

I will remind you that this is NOT done every day. Just when the edge starts to lose its stickyness.

**holli4pirating** · 06-23-2009, 07:02 PM

So, if it's not every day, then all you really are talking about is touching up the edge when the edge needs touching up... Which is how barber hones are used (except that you're suggesting leading with the spine)... Or am I missing something here? Is the difference that you are suggesting never to strop the razor?

**singlewedge** · 06-23-2009, 07:03 PM

Yes, completely ditch the strop. Spine leading. Touch up when you need to.

Blasphemy I know.

**holli4pirating** · 06-23-2009, 07:06 PM

Oh, maybe it's just me, but that didn't come across clearly.

I'd be interested in hearing how your challenge plays out and how often a blade needs to be "stropped" on the hone. I agree that it might be fine for the first shave, but I have found that not stropping a razor in between shaves results in a far less smooth shave. That's why I assumed you meant the blade should be "stropped" on the hone before every shave.

**McWolf1969** · 06-23-2009, 07:12 PM

It seems i remember Lynn briefly metioning this technique, in his video...thanks for the reminder Singlewedge. I will have to give it a try on a couple of my extra straights and the swaty.

Mac

**BHChieftain** · 06-24-2009, 01:45 PM

I think that stropping takes the semi-tweaked edge (from shaving) and realgns the metal a bit, making for a smoother shave with the existing metal, while hitting the hone just removes more metal with a fresh edge. I'm sure it works, but why remove metal when you don't have to?

-Chief

**singlewedge** · 06-24-2009, 02:01 PM

Well I can say this for day 2 of shaving sans strop.

What a great shave!!! BBS to boot.

I have discovered one problem though. My edge was not a perfect triangle, ie not sharp enough. It will need about 2 hits on some newspaper Friday, but other than that still shaved like a beast.

BJ Eyer 7/8 1/2 Hollow FBU in case you were wondering.

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