Thread: When to Strop...

Hey guys, I was just wondering, does it matter when you strop the razor? Before or after a shave? Is it bad to strop right after a shave?

Both is better. Before I do 20/60. Fabric/leather. Afterward I do 10-20 and 30-50 depending on the time I have and the fun I'm having.

I do both as well. I had heard that you should let the blade "rest" but I worry more about making sure the edge is thoroughly cleaned by stropping on the felt and leather.

Originally Posted by Txshooter38

I do both as well. I had heard that you should let the blade "rest" but I worry more about making sure the edge is thoroughly cleaned by stropping on the felt and leather.

I read where Dovo instructions suggested the edge rest.
However, I like the edge cleaned of scuz and moisture after a shave to prevent rust/tarnish.

Originally Posted by Neckbone

I read where Dovo instructions suggested the edge rest.
However, I like the edge cleaned of scuz and moisture after a shave to prevent rust/tarnish.

Dovo is clearly outnumbered.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...ng-basics.html

I admit I've gone crazy when it comes to stropping...60 linen 40 leather after....20 linen, 100 leather before. Good thing about "before" can be the night before, a day or two before, or sometimes just pick up a few blades that I plan on using for the next few shaves and get them all stropped up ahead of time.

I do 10/60 linen/leather the night before to prep the blade for shaving. Post shave I do 10 on felt after drying the razor to make sure the bevel is dry/crud free for storage.

Bob

I don't "know" why, but I am absolutely obsessive in stropping equal amounts on linen/leather. I used to do 50/50 routinely but now sometimes 20/20, 40/40. I always do 20 leather only after rinsing and drying the blade following the shave. I'm convinced that it further clears the edge of any micro gunk that may be in the striations even after rinsing and wiping. So far this procedure has been fool proof so I'm sticking to it.

Im with Jimmy and the others on 20 laps after the shave. I like to select the next morning's razor and do about 40 on leather alone - (I only use linen after honing generally so maybe I'll give this a try). Then I do about 30/40 before lathering and this works well for me.

I do after only to "clean" the blade and ensure it's clean and dry before I put it away. Not so much to do actual stropping.
I do most of my stropping before (the night before).