Thread: Question on Angle of blade when stropping

Hi all. I just started straight razor shaving about 6 weeks ago and finally thought I was getting at least a half way decent shave. I have read that the blade should be totally flat when you strop. Today I went for a "professional" shave and lesson. When I showed how I stropped, I was told I kept the blade too flat and was advised to angle the blade a little toward the edge on the strop. Does this make sense. It confused me totally. As an aside the shave was totally amazing and nothing I have experienced on my own. The edge felt like butter. Apparently I have been either been using way too much pressure or my blade are dull. Either way, now I seem totally hopeless Lol. Any advise appreciated.

Ya you probably didn't have a blade shave ready unless you heeded the advice here before you bought and your pro shave was most likely done with a shavette,mand he was just stropping to ease the edge a little cause it's a replaceable blade anyway, but I could be wrong, and until you get some experience you will have a hard time telling if your blade is right, there is a lot going on ,, but to answer the initial question , your blade is to be flat on the strop not much pressure , but enough to keep it flat, too much stropping lifting the blade will dull it or roll the edge. Tc

Remember that the strop is 'taunt' NOT 'TIGHT' I feel that the slight bit of 'give' is what's providing a little bit of an angle to work the edge.

Also if the blade hasn't been professionally honed OR Honed by an experienced honer, then you really aren't getting the shave you should.

There are lots of variables especially when starting out and by eliminating as many as possible will help you!

This might help you if you have not already read it Razor stropping - Straight Razor Place Library .

Bob

There are others in your area that may be able to provide hands on help!

Here's a link to a recent get together very close to you.

You might try PMing some of the more experienced members for some one on one guidance.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/get-t...rd-2015-a.html

Speaking from experience, you can't beat hands on help! You can read and watch videos for months on end and not learn as much as in just a few hours of one on one help!

You are doing fine. Watch the video and listen to how it sounds.
Live people are the real key. Keep the spine flat. Strop pulled taunt pressure of a butterfly.
If your straight aint sharp you cant strop it to sharpness.
Many variables. Go to a meet and it will all sort out.
The barber wasnt wrong he was stating what to do for a specific situation.

Originally Posted by cudarunner

Remember that the strop is 'taunt'

And pray tell brother, What kind of taunts are appropriate for strops? Does it make them angry?

Originally Posted by Splashone

And pray tell brother, What kind of taunts are appropriate for strops? Does it make them angry?

...............

Hi bsandy,

Yes, your barber is correct. Angling the blade slightly so that the edge has good contact eith the strop is the most effective way to maintain that fine, "buttery" sharpness. No need to push the blade down on the strop; the edge contact creates plenty of pressure all by itself.

If you do the same on a canvas strop (which is somewhat abrasive) the edge can actually be sharpened a little, enough to keep a razor shaving-sharp for years.