Thread: My stropping sucks..

I agree, after watching Seraphim's vid it is tempting to say my stropping sucks too, but I have to remind myself that we're watching an "old pro". I mostly concentrate on technique and I would say that I go, maybe medium speed. I have noticed the sound of the downstroke as noticeably different as well...... My theory is that the sound you hear in the standing position will be different than if you were away from the strop. It's the same as an accoustic guitar; the sound YOU hear while playing will sound different than those listening around. I hope this makes sense.

Originally Posted by Ryan82

My theory is that the sound you hear in the standing position will be different than if you were away from the strop. It's the same as an accoustic guitar; the sound YOU hear while playing will sound different than those listening around. I hope this makes sense.

I've noticed that too, but I think it has more to do with the grain of the leather. I find that the upstroke has slightly more draw than the downstroke. From what I understand, the grain of the leather lies in the top-down direction. So I think that accounts for the sound difference, but position would also affect it.

Originally Posted by kenneyty

Seem to have somehow put a (very) small nick in my edge too. I have been extremely careful with the blade, so I'm fairly confident it didn't hit anything. I have noticed that my strop isn't perfectly flat- seems to sag in the middle (lengthwise) so only the edges are touching my blade. Wonder if that might have worn a groove in the blade...

I REALLY doubt that the leather can wear a groove in the blade...It could dull and edge if done improperly, but I really don't think it would do the damage that you desribed. Must have gotten it somewhere else.

Originally Posted by StraightRazorDave

I find that the upstroke has slightly more draw than the downstroke. From what I understand, the grain of the leather lies in the top-down direction. So I think that accounts for the sound difference, but position would also affect it.

I'll agree with that. I also agree that it is unlikely that a strop is responsible for wearing a groove into a razor blade. I could see a razor wearing a groove into a strop though