Thread: Folding the edge...

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/downloads...nifeshexps.pdf

This paper does an interesting job of describing the process of sharpening knives equal in quality to razors. (.5 micron width, straight edge) Although plain leather is said to do nothing from a honing standpoint, it describes using leather at a different angle than that which the blade was previously honed, greater than bevel angle.

Also points out the width of the optimal edge .3 to .5 microns. It's easy to forget the edge has width.

This won't convince anyone, but it helps describe what you are seeing in Obie's video. A trained barber stropping a razor on a very non-flat strop.

There are many interesting points. I focused in around page 43.

I know, sharpening a knife to razor like quality, as shown on p. 4, is nothing like sharpening a razor to razor like quality.

Just make sure you are stropping the middle of that .5 micron wide edge.

Originally Posted by onimaru55

I'd guess that design relies on the thickness/softness of the leather for adequate flex ?
Something thin like kangaroo might not be the best choice directly glued to timber.

I think the leather flexes a little. I don't think the strop maker or strop user knows whether it should or not. It might provide great support for a flat strop through optical illusion. Maybe it's all in the leather's flex, but I doubt it.

I like the idea of guarding against too much pressure. I like the idea of a hanging strop being developed purely to adapt to the sensitive full hollow blades. I'm content to not disagree with Mr. Boon.

Now, if I could just disregard barbers like the adept Mr. Liam Finnigan, our theories would be perfect.

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

I think the leather flexes a little. I don't think the strop maker or strop user knows whether it should or not. It might provide great support for a flat strop through optical illusion. Maybe it's all in the leather's flex, but I doubt it.

I like the idea of guarding against too much pressure. I like the idea of a hanging strop being developed purely to adapt to the sensitive full hollow blades. I'm content to not disagree with Mr. Boon.

Now, if I could just disregard barbers like the adept Mr. Liam Finnigan, our theories would be perfect.

Mr finnigan has probebly not stropped a razor in 20 yrs,leather flexes without question because it is maliable.
This thread is going nowhere,adious.

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

Now, if I could just disregard barbers like the adept Mr. Liam Finnigan, our theories would be perfect.

The poster boy for "YMMV"

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Mr finnigan has probebly not stropped a razor in 20 yrs,leather flexes without question because it is maliable.
This thread is going nowhere,adious.

I'm sorry you feel that way. Mr. Finnigan is running a currently operational barbershop. I'm still trying to grasp your comment about how the rigidity of the surface means nothing.

I recall Neil Miller making the point that the amount of pressure needed to deflect a cutaway paddle was far more than is good for a razor.

When you hone you torque the edge into the stone. When you strop your pressure is on the spine.

How much pressure/torque are you applying on your finisher?

Interesting thoughts here gentlemen...

But honestly I am not disagreeing with any of them but I think you are overlooking the most obvious one as the actual culprit..


#1 Rule of stropping on any kind of strop, with whatever pressure you are using


Don't Lift the Spine off the Strop


That is the fastest way to fold an edge

Stropping seems like the Rodney Dangerfield of the Straight Razor Community. But all the components of a comfortable shave must work together.....I'm thinking stropping has suffered from Alfalfa singing The Barber of Seville many years ago.

Finnegan's strop was taut, it was just taut right in front of the razor, the rest of it was a limp noodle.