Thread: different sonds on each side of my razor

You have been given some good theories here. However, perhaps it is time to experiment. My hypothesis is that the sound of both strokes should be very similar if arriving at the listener at the same distance and angle. This test cannot be made by the stropper, for good reasons already mentioned.

Have someone stand a few feet away, perpendicular to the strop. If your technique is good, then the sound difference should be very slight regardless of the grain of the leather. Better yet, have them close their eyes. It is my belief that "ceteris paribus" the sound should have very little difference. If the difference is significant, then I would no rule out modifying your touch and technique to achieve greater uniformity.

Assuming their hearing is the same in both ears.

Originally Posted by Gammaray

You have been given some good theories here. However, perhaps it is time to experiment. My hypothesis is that the sound of both strokes should be very similar if arriving at the listener at the same distance and angle. This test cannot be made by the stropper, for good reasons already mentioned.

Have someone stand a few feet away, perpendicular to the strop. If your technique is good, then the sound difference should be very slight regardless of the grain of the leather. Better yet, have them close their eyes. It is my belief that "ceteris paribus" the sound should have very little difference. If the difference is significant, then I would no rule out modifying your touch and technique to achieve greater uniformity.

Originally Posted by WW243

Assuming their hearing is the same in both ears.

They could stand side on, thus using one ear, roughly centred on the working length rather than the full length of the strop. The spare ear would need to be blocked. But it's all getting a bit technical, and besides why wouldn't I use the record function on my phone. Just thought of that. Thanks again for all the input.

Originally Posted by edhewitt

They could stand side on, thus using one ear, roughly centred on the working length rather than the full length of the strop. The spare ear would need to be blocked. But it's all getting a bit technical, and besides why wouldn't I use the record function on my phone. Just thought of that. Thanks again for all the input.

Using a recording device is even better.

Originally Posted by Gammaray

Using a recording device is even better.

Agreed gamaray, glad you didn't take it the wrong way

Ed, I specifically used my Roo on Sunday just for this thread

There is a very slight difference in the sound and I mean very slight, the grain on mine is pretty darn smooth.. Compared to my Illinois #827 that has a distinct grain direction it is night and day.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Ed, I specifically used my Roo on Sunday just for this thread

There is a very slight difference in the sound and I mean very slight, the grain on mine is pretty darn smooth.. Compared to my Illinois #827 that has a distinct grain direction it is night and day.

That could be something to do with it glen, not on the leather necessarily, but with the fabric, the weave could be not parallel this along with the razors relative angle to the strop, could have something to do with it.
By relative angle I don't mean that the spine or edge is lifted, but that the stroke tends to be slightly windscreen wiperish (al la jimbos extreme stropping vid).
Also if one side of the blade had been bent over slightly by my beginner honing that would do it too. Though I seem to remember the phenomenon before I self honed.
Anyway, stropped the same razor again tonight and it seems to be pretty much better now.
Thanks again ed.