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  1. #1
    The Assyrian Obie's Avatar
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    Default 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

  2. #2
    Senior Member northpaw's Avatar
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    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.

  3. #3
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    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

  4. #4
    Senior Member blabbermouth JimmyHAD's Avatar
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    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.
    Be careful how you treat people on your way up, you may meet them again on your way back down.

  5. #5
    The Assyrian Obie's Avatar
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    Default Stropping between passes

    Gentlemen,

    Thank you for your thoughts. They are useful.

    Obie

  6. #6
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    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.

  7. #7
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    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.

  8. #8
    Antipodean
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    I have a brilliant 1/4 hollow that I can do multiple passes with without needing a strop, yet whenever I use one of my full hollows I need to swap razors in the middle of the shave (don't have a strop in my hall's communal bathroom, so I take two razors in then swap when it gets too blunt). I'm thinking I may have to look at getting rid of some of my hollow grounds and getting a few more wedges to replace them just so I don't have to swap (the shave's easier and smoother with my wedgier blade too), but we'll see - funds will decide that one for me.

  9. #9
    The Assyrian Obie's Avatar
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    Default Stroppiing between passes

    Gentlemen,

    Thanks again for your thoughts on this subject. At least now I know I am not the only one who thinks some razors have a mind of their own.

    My family used to say that about me: that I was a good boy but that I also had a mind of my own. That's a good thing, I'd say.

    A friend said to me, "Why then don't you use straight razors with replaceable blades and be done with it?"

    I do use straight razors with replaceable blades occasionally, and frequently when traveling, those and a Merkur double edge travel razor. My straights with replaceable blades are the Feather Artist Club, which is probably the sharpest blade on earth, and a Monsieur Charles.

    Yet none compares to the genuine straight razor and the theatre that accompanies its use: stropping, cleaning, examining, gently tamping dry, and a long list of pleasures coloring this magnificent instrument of pleasure that has a mind of its own and sometimes let's you know it, too.

    And something else: This noble instrument also demands respect from the humble gentleman shaver. That's how it should be.

    Regards,

    Obie

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Obie View Post
    ...
    And something else: This noble instrument also demands respect from the humble gentleman shaver. That's how it should be.
    ...
    ugh, i just posted in the topic where some guy cut his thumb up
    these things are no joke!
    from time to time, I prep food while listening to music, or watching tv- i'm careful to keep my fingers curled back, and haven't cut myself yet. but my kitchen knives (as proud of them as i am) aren't nearly as sharp as a straight razor (or so i think- my first straight is due in the mail any day!)

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