Thread: Stropping razors with different handle shapes

I'm getting about half way decent at stropping my razors with "normal" shaped handles. I'm looking at a razor with a handle with a little more curve in the handle and the handle is much wider at the end. How much difficulty have any of you guys had flipping the razor when they have non-standard shaped handles. I'm sure prior experience makes a big difference. Being still a newbie I'm wondering about it. The razor I'm looking at really looks good to me. While I don't look forward to going backwards in my stropping ability with a new razor I wouldn't want a lack of skill to dictate which razor I buy.

Tends not to make much difference for me as I grip the blade by the tang. The scales rotate freely in my hands and really don't tend to come into play.

To be honest, I find the biggest difference not to stem from different scales, but rather from the different size, weight, and tang design of different razors. So if you like it and want it, go for it. I don't think you'll find yourself going backwards so much as maybe taking things a little slower at first until you're comfortable.

Those that know how to strop always just hold the tang,but there is always a small amt of contact of the scales on the palm of the hand,works as a fulcrum of sorts,is very slight,almost imperceptible
Try stropping a blade with a very loose pivot,for me it is difficult.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Those that know how to strop always just hold the tang,but there is always a small amt of contact of the scales on the palm of the hand,works as a fulcrum of sorts,is very slight,almost imperceptible
Try stropping a blade with a very loose pivot,for me it is difficult.

+1, I can't abide a loose pivot for stropping, honing or shaving. I hold the razor between the tips of my thumb, and forefinger, with one over top of the tang and other underneath. As I do the flip there is some roll over on the from the top of the tang to the side of it, but the grip is top and bottom of the tang, and thumb always stays on the bottom as a pivot of sorts. I don't bend my wrist. My middle, ring, and little finger kind of cradle the scales extending past the tang. relaxed but giving a modicum of support. I have had some scales that were 'unconventional' and took some concentration to avoid flubbing it up, but so far none that were not doable.

+1 on only hold the tang and the scales sit loosely cupped in my fingers
I know what you mean with the loose pivots Pix they drive me mad when I get them or after oiling & they are looser than usual, I also like the pivots kept tight,
I find it helps keep the blade at the angle across the strop that I want when stropping

Not really any difference. I control the razor basically holding the shank and flipping it with my fingers. Its all in the fingers and wrist for me.

Have hade two customs with very radical scales,sold them both as I never liked stropping them.
Alot of people do not put much import on the scales when stropping,but they do play a roll.
For those that advocate tang only,no scale contact,try stropping blade with no scales
As above, grip the tang only,you never hold the scales.

The biggest issue to me is a razor way out of balance. Even though you are holding it by the tang those heavy scales pull on you and the whole thing wants to torque on you so you have to be extra careful and go slower.

Increasing your skills with variety is moving forward (progress) not going backwards. Joy comes from learning, profit comes from progress.

Thanks for the input guys. I hate a loose pivot as some have mentioned. I made a set of scales and used a pin and screw for the pivot. I have wondered why using screw/post for pivots isn't more popular. Being able to adjust the tension is a good thing IMO. Also, you could disassemble the handle/blade for a good cleaning if necessary. This is less important since I saw a video of Lynn's where he emphasized keeping the pivot dry when shaving. I've been doing that mainly to get used to it. Right now I have one less expensive ($40) razor and one that was a gift with no handle. I'd like to get a "nicer" razor and that one I'd want to keep clean, dry and corrosion free inside the pivot. I'm thinking a new razor would make a nice Christmas present. Doesn't Christmas fall around the end of September??? ? Ok, ok, I'll wait until December.

I have some kirinite I might use to make another handle. I can leave the end of the handle very large just to see how it is to strop it. Not to mention how it handles when shaving. If I hate it I can always remove material to make it a standard shape.