Thread: Flipping the Razor

Originally Posted by Quick

but you (me) still can't rotate your wrist more than 180*. Since the spine is thicker than the edge I'm guessing it takes somewhere between 190* to 200* of rotation to get the edge from on the strop to on the strop again when rolling it on the spine. Since your wrist will only rotate 180* then the razor must be rotated an additional 10* to 20* in your grip. You have to manipulate your grip on the razor each time you roll it on the spine. This is what makes it difficult and takes a bit of practice. (You cannot maintain a really firm grip on the razor while you're changing it).

The natural tendency, until you learn otherwise, would be to roll the razor on the edge. This only requires ~160* or rotation. Well within your 180* wrist rotational limit and does not require "regripping".

When stropping I hold the razor with my thumb on the bottom of the tang. Pretty much where it would be when shaving. As I strop I have to move my thumb from one edge of the bottom of the tang to the other while rolling it on the spine.

Funny how we have 2 different stropping schools in this thread. Or am I reading it wrong?

Best regards,
Bart.

Originally Posted by Bart

Funny how we have 2 different stropping schools in this thread. Or am I reading it wrong?

You're reading it wrong. EVERYBODY says strop by rolling on the spine.

The discussion is WHY that seems to be more difficult than rolling on the edge and why a complete newbie's natural tendency would be to do it that way. Much like a golf grip. The natural tendency is to grip a golf club like a baseball bat. The proper golf grip feels very unnatural until you are accustomed to it.

(well... that was my contribution could be completely tangential to what's actually being discussed. haha.)

I don't think we spend enough time capturing the best way to strop in the most exacting detail.

What I do, for examination, is to cradle the edge of the shank in my fingers (between the index and middle finger) and use a back and forth motion on the opposing edge of the shank with my thumb. The thumb moves pretty easily over greater than 180 degrees, I suppose.

The two shank edges I'm referring to are the far side close to the strop and the near side off the strop. I"m referring to the corners of the shank, not the long sides.

Keeping the fingers extended and the touch light seems to give me a pretty good stropping motion with a light touch, but I have to watch my thumb pressure closely.

Now, I'm not saying this method is right or wrong . . . simply saying what I do.

I like the volume control analogy too. For me its like rolling a pencil in my fingers.

If I place both the pads of my fingers on each side of the thumb of my pad it replicates the exact finger position I use. I balance both fingers as they stradle the thumb pad. Then you'd simply put a razors shank between my fingers.

i learn everything the hard way learn it and you will be rewarded with a good shaving edge and not a rolled edge that is so easy to do while using the method you do plus you can still cut your strop if not careful take your time and it will come to you

I think I am on board with Alan, I rest the corner of the tang on my thumb too....

The other thing that seems to help when explaining stropping is "Pay attention to the spine" not the edge, if the spine is correct the edge will follow right along, and you will have way less of a chance, of rolling it...

I'm also in the thumb-roller group.
YouTube - Flip a razor for stropping.