Thread: Passes on the strop

I do 50 linen and 50 leather. If you think that the linen doesn't do anything check out this post.

The number of strop passes you've read are a general guideline. There is no set number of passes (round trips) that you must perform. You need to strop until the razor has a sufficiently keen edge. It may take only 5 passes or up to 30 (maybe 50). If you are not getting a keen edge by then, there may be other issues.

Personally, I don't do a count-down while stropping. I just check the edge. When it's good I stop stropping and start shaving.


Scott

I like what Utopian said, try more passes and see if the edge improves. When I was first learning to strop, I found I needed many more passes than I do now to get the same effect - my stropping was more inefficient when I started probably due to not making great contact on each pass. I would have never discovered that if I had not explored beyond the generally recommended number of passes

Now I keep stropping until the edge is where I like it to be. For me that number is between 50 and 90 passes total between linen and leather. Sometimes 50 passes is enough for me and sometimes it isn't - I don't know why (is it my razor? my strop? my technique?) but I have learned that it is better to strop more than to strop less

Well the last several shaves i have been stropping more than normal and the feel of the draw from my TM starter strop really makes me feel like it is helping. I have also noticed that the blade glides a little better over my face...even with my so so razor.