Thread: Just a little pressure, please?

Originally Posted by Srdjan

To the OP, I believe there is an article in the Wiki about stropping and how the bevel changes shape with time and use, developing a curve and becoming convex. This means that stropmeisters among us will loosen the grip/pull on the strop, each time ever-so-slightly, to follow this developing curve and allow for max performance of the razor, before it needs to hit the hones again.

No, a convex edge simply means it needs honing.

Totally impossible to not apply the slightest amount of pressure. It is controlled for sure and as you do it more it gets easier and is committed to muscle memory.

Just don't "hammer fist" it as I say. I have a co-worker that hammer fist everything and when it breaks he stands there like Shrek wondering what happened! You just laugh and say it is not gorilla proof ole boy!!!!

You will get the hang of it. Just make sure the strop is fairly taut when stropping. It is easy to release the tension and create the hammock effect and roll the edge!

Some people strop with a slack strop, some with a taught strop, some use no pressure and some use pressure, also some people don't strop.
Its whatever works for you.

Personally I like my strop taught . I don't use any pressure but I may turn the blade a very small amount into the strop, just barley enough to get the rite sound effects.
I strop fast as well but I have a super bendy wrist that lets me turn quickly

Originally Posted by Michael70

...You just laugh and say it is not gorilla proof ole boy!!!!

When I moved to Wilkes County (1985) I used to hear old people say, "Ah swarr, 'at ole boy could break a anvil."

Originally Posted by MisterMoo

When I moved to Wilkes County (1985) I used to hear old people say, "Ah swarr, 'at ole boy could break a anvil."

I have heard the same thing MM! I have also spent countless hours in Wilkes County on my job! Moravian Falls; Millers Creek; and other areas of course over the years! Beautiful country up there. There is a place (BBQ) that is behind an old factory building we use to eat at that the name escapes me right now. They had a decent salad bar and some good food. I assume it is still there. Has been several years since I ate there but then again, I don't get up that way as much since moving from the Weaverville area above Asheville back to the triad area.

Originally Posted by SteveA

I have a 3" strop and I find that when I pull it taught and lay the spine of the razor on it with no pressure that it doesn't touch everywhere. That's when I started using a bit of pressure. Maybe I'm pulling too much on the strop.

This is where an X or wiper stroke comes in, particularly on smiling blades.
As has been said, it really is a question of practice. Take it slowly at first and watch what is happening then you will start to cultivate a technique that works for your razor.

Originally Posted by Srdjan

I think his neighbor HAS properly trained and socialized their dog.. sheesh! Lol

To the OP, I believe there is an article in the Wiki about stropping and how the bevel changes shape with time and use, developing a curve and becoming convex. This means that stropmeisters among us will loosen the grip/pull on the strop, each time ever-so-slightly, to follow this developing curve and allow for max performance of the razor, before it needs to hit the hones again.

Speaking of things that cannot be measured, how's that for everyone?

When people talk about the art of stropping, this thing comes to mind... I'll admit, I never bother.

That is something I don't remember hearing before.

Originally Posted by edhewitt

That is something I don't remember hearing before.

From the perspective of physics, it makes some sense to me. Best to imagine the situation on a very large scale... then apply it on a small scale. For the scientists among us

Gotta chime in. Read the whole thread and from what I can tell it comes down to the fact that muscle memory needs to be educated. I am probably the original heavy ham handed person around. After doing a lot of reading I realized that a bench strop was the answer since pressure applied could be gauged immediately on a non-resistant surface. Not having a bathroom where I could house a bench strop I devised what I call a hanging bench strop as shown below. I have a whisper of a stroke now with almost non existence pressure. I have one un-adjusted strop and find that I retain the whisper pressure on that one also.

Originally Posted by Srdjan

From the perspective of physics, it makes some sense to me. Best to imagine the situation on a very large scale... then apply it on a small scale. For the scientists among us

On the scale of a razor bevel the changes would surely be so miniscule that it would be next to impossible to guage by hand particularly if there were a rotation of multiple razors in question which would necessarily require varying, varying pressures. [Yes varying, varying is intentional].