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.

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.

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

Originally Posted by Obie

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