Thread: When you get tugging or pulling

Make sure you keep your arms up as you strop. Any downward pressure will cause your issues.

Originally Posted by tintin

I'm using a hanging strop (3 inch). and i know at least part of my technique is bad because i keep getting small nicks on the edges, only on the "handle" end (what does that mean and how can i change it?).

Slow down and watch when you flip also try stropping on a flat surface for now. Slow and controlled speed does not help in stropping.

Originally Posted by tintin

I'm using a hanging strop (3 inch). and i know at least part of my technique is bad because i keep getting small nicks on the edges, only on the "handle" end (what does that mean and how can i change it?).

Small nicks can be 'hesitation' cuts from stopping at the end of the stroke or flipping before changing direction.

Originally Posted by tintin

I'm using a hanging strop (3 inch). and i know at least part of my technique is bad because i keep getting small nicks on the edges, only on the "handle" end (what does that mean and how can i change it?).

When I started out I quickly realized my stropping technique was "sub-optimal" - the solution was to take a stout spring clamp and use it to clamp my strop to the top of the counter. It then takes a little tension to keep it flat and you can focus on the basics. The improvement was immediate, and I converted to paddle strops soon after.

And most of us have had your experience when getting started...hang in there...

Smooth Shaving...

If/when you do go to the CroOx be very conservative. You can chew up an edge quickly on it. As mentioned above, 5-7 laps is about all you want to do to start. After that you may start to eat into what is otherwise an okay edge. Others may jump in to clarify that some more, but suffice to say you don't want to lap your blade 30 or 40 time on CroOx.

If using chromium oxide, do u apply it to canvas or leather side of a strop? I recently got some along with Dovo green. When my recently honed razors start needing them, which should I go to first?

Originally Posted by ffarouki

If using chromium oxide, do u apply it to canvas or leather side of a strop? I recently got some along with Dovo green. When my recently honed razors start needing them, which should I go to first?

Chrome ox is fairly versatile, it can be used on leather, canvas/linen, balsa, newspaper etc. I use it on balsa with great results. Just remember, whatever medium you choose once it is pasted it will always be pasted.

As for Dovo green paste, I've never used it but from what I understand it is their coarsest paste and should only be used on a very dull edge.

Considering your razor was previously shave ready use the chrome - sets of 5 until sharp. I wouldn't go beyond a 12-15, at the most.

Originally Posted by FrankD

Is stropping adequate or is it time for a retouch using a stone?

It depends on the condition of the edge, but often a careful stropping will restore the edge. Please note that I said careful stropping. Not necessarily fast, nor frantic, nor with an excessive number of laps, but carefully focusing on what is happening at the edge of the razor in order to bring back the sharpness and smoothness.

FrankD,
You are at a threshold, once crossed, from which there is no return. Make the wrong decision and within weeks no one will recognize you. Make the right decision (and here it gets dicey because there is no right decision) you will find you life slowly dripping, drip, drip, drip into this gigantic inland sea called the SRP.

Originally Posted by FrankD

Is stropping adequate or is it time for a retouch using a stone?

I have a few of those feathery lifts at that location: for me the cause was stopping the razor to adjust the grip, so like the experienced stropper will tell you when you stop is when you have problems....as long as the blade is in motion, no worries.

Originally Posted by tintin

I'm using a hanging strop (3 inch). and i know at least part of my technique is bad because i keep getting small nicks on the edges, only on the "handle" end (what does that mean and how can i change it?).