Thread: Epiphany!

Well, let me tell you: after @ 1 year of shaving, honing, stropping and shaving again, I think I finally reached *that* point on the strop yesterday. I have always applied pressure to the razor on the strop, despite what I have read on this site and elsewhere about using only the "razor's own weight," and I have usually gotten fairly decent results. Last night I finally relented and lightened up on the pressure. Immediately, the razor (a beautiful silver steel TI with scalloped back and a Spanish point) "sucked" down onto the strop, almost as if it was attracted to the leather by static electricity. 20 or so laps later, and that puppy was palpably MUCH sharper than any razor I had stropped before. It was a real "D'Oh!" moment. It was so exciting, I just had to share it. I am looking forward very much to put that razor to the ultimate test tonight!

Congrats! Its only the edge that does the work. The other big benefit of only using the weight of the blade is the guarantee that you used equal pressure on both edges.

Should be a nice shave tomorrow. Enjoy!!

Good on ya! What's the next misconception to overcome?

X

When I read this I went straight in to my bathroom and stropped a bit, it actually worked, I felt that small sucking sensation. Can't wait for tomorrow morning to come, so I can try it out

Thanks for the encouragement! The shave was great--the best I've had with that razor. Still some nicks on the old adam's apple, so I still have some improving to do. Also, my breakthrough was on a small paddle strop, so I still have to figure out how to apply the lesson when I return to my hanging strops. It's amazing how much there still remains to learn, just when you think you have it all down!

Take the same lesson that you learned and apply it to the adam's apple as well, the same thing will apply there as well. I find that the mantra NO PRESSURE AT ALL, is right on about straight razors.

Originally Posted by igitur55

Well, let me tell you: after @ 1 year of shaving, honing, stropping and shaving again, I think I finally reached *that* point on the strop yesterday. I have always applied pressure to the razor on the strop, despite what I have read on this site and elsewhere about using only the "razor's own weight," and I have usually gotten fairly decent results. Last night I finally relented and lightened up on the pressure. Immediately, the razor (a beautiful silver steel TI with scalloped back and a Spanish point) "sucked" down onto the strop, almost as if it was attracted to the leather by static electricity. 20 or so laps later, and that puppy was palpably MUCH sharper than any razor I had stropped before. It was a real "D'Oh!" moment. It was so exciting, I just had to share it. I am looking forward very much to put that razor to the ultimate test tonight!

Now dis is a BOOTIFUL ting!!!!

Way to go!!!

Lynn