Thread: Lap Counting Aid.

Obviously, technique is the most important part of stropping. If you are lifting the spine, or applying pressure: the number of laps one does on the strop makes no difference.

Also, for myself personally, I have learned to rely on tactile and audio feedback to know when "enough is enough" during stropping.

Here is a neat little gadget that may help those wanting to track the number of laps when stropping.

I stumbled across these Knitting counters today when I was wondering aimlessly through Jo-ann Fabrics, while my wife shopped for ideas. Small & cheap .

Some quick thoughts: don't try to juggle the counter with the same hand thay holds the razor, use with the strop tension hand. This is really only important if you want to closely track the number of laps. I once tried counting my laps, but could not abide the amount of focus it took away from the most important part: TECHNIQUE! So if adding a counter to the mix would be distracting, just carry on without it.

I hope this was helpful to some!

How does it work?

Originally Posted by Kees

How does it work?

They count . The pink one is worn like a watch, but on your finger. Tap the button to tick the counter.

According to the website,

Red Heart Digital Row Counter. Traditional row counters are manual and attach to the needle or hook, this counter can slide onto your finger so you'll never forget to mark that last row. Keeps track even if you put your project away and restart it at a later date; one tap of the big button restores the number count from your last row. Counter features a large number read out, convenient adjustable strap for wearing on finger, 2 year life manufacturer's guarantee and a replaceable battery.

Digital Row Counter-Assorted Colors: Pink, Purple Or Silver | JOANN

Next to that one, in my pic, is an analog counter. Though, it is a bit more clumsy.
Clover Knitting Counter Kacha-Kacha Red | JOANN

Meh. I would so cut my strop!

I need full attention to strop. A lap or two here and there seems negligible.
In fact, I have gotten to where I don't count. I just time it by glancing at the clock.

Indeed. As I said in my first post, trying to actually count how many laps I was doing while stropping was a distraction. With the right aid, if you are so inclined, tracking the number of laps would be accomplished through muscle memory, rather than mental focus.

And this is really only something sought after by those who want to strop in a diagnostic way. "50 laps vs. 200 laps.", etc. Or if you have numerical oriented OCD ...

Yeah, but you have to hit the button every repetition. When holding the strop taut with one hand and stropping the razor with the other, how you gonna hit the button?

Best way, FME, is to time yourself doing the amount of laps you desire and see how long it takes to accomplish it reasonably slowly.

Strop that long!

Oh I get it now Tom, I just figured you'd sit there stropping and go "damn, it's been an hour already"


I just count, been doing it since I started. But like you said I keep full attention on the strop......when I can

I strop and shave in the morning. I start counting and then go blank!

Arithmomania. My new word for the day.

I have symptoms.

I usually loose track about 60 counting in 20"s

I am telling you, A clock with a second hand/counter is nice. I prefer a second hand myself.
If you really strop for 2-3 minutes you have blessed the blade. JMO
Time your self. You may be surprised!