Thread: School to teach men how to shave. Article 1904.

I normally strop with deflection, but I was surprised having just shaved with three different razors, all stropped with the spines off the strop, that there was no degradation. I think there may have been a slight improvement in the edge.

I was not able to get 1/8 th of an inch rise, perhaps closer to 3-4 mm. I was also able to use sound as a good indicator of rise. Maybe that is about the same distance?

It is much easier for me to raise the spine on the stroke toward me than the away stroke.

FYI 1/8 inch is ~3.2 mm.

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

I normally strop with deflection, but I was surprised having just shaved with three different razors, all stropped with the spines off the strop, that there was no degradation. I think there may have been a slight improvement in the edge.

I was not able to get 1/8 th of an inch rise, perhaps closer to 3-4 mm. I was also able to use sound as a good indicator of rise. Maybe that is about the same distance?

It is much easier for me to raise the spine on the stroke toward me than the away stroke.

I tried this on an old Sheffield and it was and improvement. It is going to take a bit of getting used to but it sure made a difference. Now I am going to set a razor that I hone to be designated as strop only to see how long I can keep it shaving comfortable.

oh boy this site sure has an INCREDIBLE amount of knowledge! after reading every post i tell myself "now i know the secret" and laugh maniacally because all the posts are just so valuable..! makes shaving better everyday!!

Thankyou SRP!! the greatest shaving school EVAH! (ever)

Hmm, I am tempted to try the stropping technique on a near wedge...maybe.

The last paragraph paints a great picture. "...the tip to the boy who brushes your coat and hat".

Most useful info!!!

I was always wondering that how the HELL my grandpa was able to keep his razor in good shape in those days for I don't know how long - with only a hand-made strop made by himself... Now I know.

I tried to strop like this and it works.

God bless you all.

Fantastic article, thank you Martin103- these old articles are always interesting.

I will try the stropping technique and perhaps the post face massage.

Any comments on the Stropping instructions. Not to have the spine flat on the strop but raised 1/8 of an in off it??? I tried it for about 60 passes and didn't see a difference. But may try building it up to 1/8 and see if consistancy helps.

So now.....tape or no tape while stropping !!! Wait until Glen sees this one !!!!!