Thread: Using other hand to keep blade flat

I have a TM paddle strop, which is wider than my blades. I am having a great deal of trouble keeping the blade flat on the strop. I tried placing the tips of my firsr three fingers in the hollow of the blade (one tip in the middle and the other two at each end) and gently pressing down to keep the blade flat. I don't really have the dexterity to keep the blade flat on the strip with just one hand on the handle/shank of the blade.

Is this a bad idea?

Originally Posted by schifano

I have a TM paddle strop, which is wider than my blades. I am having a great deal of trouble keeping the blade flat on the strop. I tried placing the tips of my firsr three fingers in the hollow of the blade (one tip in the middle and the other two at each end) and gently pressing down to keep the blade flat. I don't really have the dexterity to keep the blade flat on the strip with just one hand on the handle/shank of the blade.

Is this a bad idea?

I hate to say it but this is very bad. the blade needs toglide over the strop with only about the weight of the razor as the downward force. as light as you may think your touch is with the second hand you are applying too much pressure.

I would suggest you work with an "X" pattern as this will help you to develop the skill of holding the razor level.

I seem to recall a suggestion of practicing with a butterknife (spine first) on a cutting board this will give you plenty of practice with out the potential damage to you edge.

Something that's helped me to keep the razor flat using one hand is to wrap my 2nd, 3rd and 4th fingers loosely around the scales and lift up with my pinky (4th) finger. Also, I keep my elbow raised slightly.

These things have helped greatly.

I think the most important thing you can do to learn to use the strop is to go very very slowly at first and look and concentrate as you glide the blade over the strop. Eventually it will become second nature and you can pick up the speed and you'll find you don't even have to think about what you are doing.

Thanks all. I stropped again tonight, and I found that it was easier for me to keep the blade flat against the strop if I angled it at about 30 degrees, rather than 90 degrees. to the paddle. The angle added more stability, so the blade did not rock up and down as I went.