Thread: Got my razor today. Do I really need to strop?

I just got my razor today, and I'm really excited about using it. A note from Lynn says the razor is honed and test shaved, but needs a light stropping.

I'm scared to do this after reading the stories here about newbies ruining their razors by incorect stropping. I think I've seen enough videos here to do it, but do I really need to? Can I give it a try and strop it after a partial shave?

I really thought I could try it before a strop so if I screw it up I'll know the difference.

Thanks.

I would definitely recommend that you give it a try before stropping.If it feels smooth,keep going and do as much as you are comfortable with.We usually tell newer shavers to stick with a few flat spots and finish the shave with your usual shaver.

Practice on a belt with a paint stirring stick or a popsicle stick to get the hang of the movements. Don't bother with speed, concentrate on using the correct movements and placing the razor on the strop correctly. Speed will come with skill. Oh, yes and what aroliver said.

I've got you both covered. I'll give it a try before stropping, and I also ordered a cheap razor off Amazon and planned on using that to practice stropping.

The review on the cheap razor was pretty good, after the reviewer honed it, so I plan on using it to practice honing as well -- see if I can get that razor sharp enough to shave with as soon as I know what it's about and what it feels like with a quality blade.

What sort of razor was it? The words "new" "cheap" and "razor" don't typcially go together. I think the least expensive that are any good are the Dovo Classics, and those are around $60 IIRC.

Getting back to your question, you won't need to strop for the first shave, but you will notice that the razor will not shave as well if you do not strop before subsequent shaves.

As aroliver59 wrote- give a try.Watching videos is not everything- remember to hold the strop tight, no pressure on the blade no rush, you will be fine.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

What sort of razor was it? The words "new" "cheap" and "razor" don't typcially go together. I think the least expensive that are any good are the Dovo Classics, and those are around $60 IIRC.

The "practice" razor I got is a Kriegar for $10 new. I think it's more of a knife than a real razor. Looks nice, but at this point will not shave anything. The knife in my pocket is way sharper, and I can run this razor up and down my arm with no effect. I also ran it across my face dry -- nothing! So I could even use this to practice technique with no chance of doing any harm. Maybe when I don't need it anymore I'll use it as a fancy butter knife. Oh, yeah. The handle (scales) are lined with heavy metal, so the razor has lousy balance and is very heavy.

This new, cheap, razor will do exactly what I wanted it for.

Yup, it'll do for practicing stropping or honing, but that's all. It's just a razor shaped piece of metal.