Thread: Holding a strop

Originally Posted by ChrisL

Good threads should never die! I've been meaning to post pics as I promised of how I hold a "barber style" strop. Upon suggestion of Alan Davis a long time ago, my inspiration is straight out of one of the barber's manuals (thanks Alan).

Attachment 19090

Attachment 19091

Attachment 19092

Attachment 19093

Attachment 19094

I like holding these types of strops (I prefer the "barber style) this way because I can make adjustments to the surface of the strop and its flatness, keeping it flat, by pinching with my thumb and index finger and pressing my fingers on the underside of the strop toward my palm. It's hard to describe but easy to see when you hold the strop this way.

Chris L

I've been holding my strop this way for years with the exception of the pinky finger thing. What is the purpose of keeping the little finger on top of the strop? Seems awkward to me.

Started holding my strop this way as opposed to just holding it out straight and I'm sure my stropping technique improved. It was one of those AHA! moments where it just kind of clicked.

Thanks for posting this!

ETA: Wow just seen the original date on this!