Thread: Stropping Angle?

About the only detail with stropping I haven't seen yet is the angle of the edge in relation to the centerline of the strop / paddle.

I know about the X pattern, but should the edge of the blade be perpendicular or at an angle to the C/L of the strop?? If it is supposed to be at an angle, how much??

the blade should be laid flat on its spine, do not lift the spine of the razor at any time (meaning don't have just the sharp side touching) as this will dull the blade, and possibly nick the strop.

Originally Posted by rblair

the blade should be laid flat on its spine, do not lift the spine of the razor at any time (meaning don't have just the sharp side touching) as this will dull the blade, and possibly nick the strop.

Yeah, I know that, but what about the angle of the edge of the blade to the CL of the strop?

I don't know if it matters that much and I just hold razors at a comfortable angle, which for me is usually very near perpindicular but sometimes I tend to let the heel or toe lead slightly.

I've experimented a little, but I find that straight across the strop, ie., no angle, works best.

X

If I understand your question correctly there are two main ways to strop on a strop that is not wide enough to accomodate the entire blade. With a thin strop you can lay the blade at a right angle to the strop (perpendicular) with the heal down and toe hanging off the strop. You strop diagonally (while maintaining the right angle) so that the toe is touching the strop at the end of the strop. This way the entire length of the blade comes in contact with the leather through the stroke. Another way to strop on a thin strop is to lay the blade diagonally accross the strop so that the entire blade is resting on the strop. Then you can push the blade straight accross the strop without using the x pattern because the entire blade length is in contact with the strop for the entire stroke. I prefer to use the first option.

I may be wrong, but I don't think it really matters as the leather is not cutting into the steel at all.

The way I look at it is that if you do an X pattern on the strop (identical to that on the hone) you are actually stropping perpendicular to the teeth/groove marks made by the hone, as you are stropping spine first. The opposite of honing.

So I would say that perpendicular or angled are both fine...as long as the spine and edge are both on the strop.

Ivan

I think it's traditional to strop with the heel of the edge leading just a little bit. That said, there has been discussions as to this topic and I think you will find no one "correct" answer. As with most of this experience, it's best to experiment and find what works best for you.

Thank you everyone for all replies, really appreciate it!!

Depending on how its honed you may note a variation in draw as you change the angle. Overall effectiveness seems to be ok at any angle. I would surmise though that perpendicular would be the most effective. I've never been able to measure it though to be sure.