Thread: Stropping between passes

Gentlemen,

What are your thoughts on stropping between passes?

Depending on what razor I use, some days, by Jove, the blade has a mind of its own and I am forced to strop between the second and the third passs — I do three passes.

I don't know if the practice does any good or not, but it makes me feel better.

Regards,

Obie

I occasionally strop a little before my final, ATG pass. I suspect there are those here who would tell you that you shouldn't have to do it if your blade was sharp enough, your prep was good enough, etc. I don't necessarily disagree with that.

Also, my hunch is that two equally "sharp" edges can be very different in terms of how fragile they are, leaving one dulled by a pass or two while the other hasn't changed much.

Decent results when going from the 2nd pass to a final 3rd pass. Most of the time I don't need to do this unless I am starting off with a less than standard sharp edge.

I hope this helps!

Pabster

I used to do it when I first started honing. I haven't had the need for a pretty good while but there is nothing wrong with it. If it makes the next pass better go for it. I also used chrom ox on a flat bed hone to improve the second pass on occasion. I only do two passes, tender skin.

Gentlemen,

Thank you for your thoughts. They are useful.

Obie

For me, it depends upon the razor. I have a couple that benefit from a strop before ATG -- a Torrey and a Robeson. The rest don't seem to need it. These were all obtained shave ready, so I can't tell if it's the original sharpening or the steel.

Obie some razors do seem to have a mind of their own don't they:-) I have an old wedge that doesn't like it if I don't strop during a shave. I wouldn't say it's all that unusual to get at least one in your collection like that.