Thread: Stropping too much?

Ah thanks Shaun, I think I'll sleep better now!

I love stropping, and SAD prevails in my place. I'm a great fan of Kanayama strops, and, I do 20 laps on canvas, 30 on the suede piece and 100 on the cordovan leather. Great edges, terrific shaves. I don't think you could over strop, but I doubt there would be any real tangible benefit if doing more than 100. Believe me if someone said doing 200 laps makes a difference I'd be the first bloke to do it on one of my collection of llamas.

Originally Posted by bobski

I doubt there would be any real tangible benefit if doing more than 100. Believe me if someone said doing 200 laps makes a difference I'd be the first bloke to do it on one of my collection of llamas.

My friend pinklather belongs to what he refers to as the 'Strop till you Drop Club'. It's not unusual for him to strop on leather alone for over 200 laps for his daily shaves.

For me, after about 50 on cloth or such then 100 on leather that gives me a very nice shave. Plus I just might be a little on the 'lazy' side.

We have had guys here in the past who did strop progressions. Multiple laps on linen, latigo, horsehide, this brand, that brand. I used to do 50 linen 50 leather, but now I might do 30/30 - 40/40. Never more than 50 in my long life, and one linen/leather strop at a time, though not always the same one. No rules when it comes to our shaving rituals though, we can all experiment with what works and suit ourselves.

I do big, long. elaborate strop progressions after honing.
After that, one single fabric/leather. No pastes.

For the MOST part, 40/80 before shaving, 20/40 after. They just get better and better.

After a while, I can just pick one up and shave, skipping a session.

At times, before shaves, I skip the fabric as one is fine where it is. Sometimes, I work an edge in with more fabric. I don't think a set number is good. Get to know your blade and what it needs, I think.

I am a firm believer that many of the best edges are finished on the strop.
No matter what finishing hone was used. Steels and grinds!

Good stropping is as key as a good edge, fine strop, lather, brush, and good technique.
JMHO

'Spare the strop, spoil the edge!'

,,,,,,

Originally Posted by Hirlau

,,,,,,

Yep! Even Hirlau agrees!