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

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.

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.

Originally Posted by Jack0458

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.

I had a Dovo La Forme which has a curved handle. Loved shaving with it but it was a real pain to strop. I never did get it down to easy. It went bye bye and I miss it because it was a great shaver and felt good in my hands ( until I stropped it)

Actually, this is a great thread and I'm surprised we haven't talked about this more.

Odd shaped scales and scales that have too much material past the hinge pin can be a total pain to not only strop daily, but to hone as well. The LaForme is a great example of the perfect storm. It has a thumb notch tang and a very odd shaped scale. Agree that it is a great looking razor and a really nice shaver, but I hate seeing them when I open up boxes for the days honing.

The loose pivot pin problem mentioned is very big pain for both honing and stropping as are tangs that are too long, too short or too thick or that have a thumb notch that really doesn't give you any place for a balanced stroke when stropping or honing. All of the above, especially for new guys caused the dreaded nicked strop syndrome...... Another interesting thing that can throw you off is how the razor is set into the scales. If there is a cant to the razor, even if it fits well into the scales, it will effect your stropping and honing.