Thread: Stropping questions

Even after reading the stropping threads (particularly the "folding the edge" thread), I feel unsure about:

How much pressure on the blade?

• Very light - just the weight of the blade with a bit loose strop?
• Light, but with enough pressure to ensure the edge makes solid/even contact with the strop? ( determined by the feel the draw/drag)
• 15 times the weight of the blade? (think I read this in the handwritten notes of the 1961 Barber's Manual)

Is it easier to apply too much pressure and roll the edge, or use too little pressure and not make enough edge contact to sharpen it? Both lead to a poor shave. Which is more likely?

The preferred angle - heel to point?

• Straight perpendicular to the strop? (typically shown in YouTube demos)
• Heel a bit advanced of the point? (shown in the 1961 Barber's Manual)
• Point a bit advanced of the heel? (the opposite style used in honing)

(I have a full hollow ground blade.)


Bill