Thread: pressure or no pressure

i find it also depends on the razor. Just another of the many variables.
i have had a few newbies lately apply too much pressure and actually dull newly honed razors. Only takes less than 5 minutes on the finishing stones and strop to fix them back to shaving sharp, but it can be frustrating for those who dull them and then not keep getting good shaves. That leads to discouragement and giving up too soon. Some things just take time and practise to get right.
And yes - i also personally prefer paddle strops even after over 30 years of using straight razors.
Regards,
Adam

If I recall correctly, in one of the old barber textbooks published by the Milady company, it was recommended to "use just enough pressure to feel some draw." It seems like good advice to me.

Bingo, just enough to feel draw.

Yes, there must be some draw on the edge or you are just polishing your spine.