Thread: is your razor "singing" on the strop?

I think the new-ness of the strop might have something to do with it, too. My new SRD 3" Red Latigo sang with every razor I put on it, regardless of technique. The strop also had very little draw. A couple weeks and a thousand or so passes later, the draw has really developed, and it only sings occasionally now. Usually only with my stainless blade.

The razor should hiss ... like a snake!!

Just went to the strop and hit it a few licks with a Sta Sharp. I have to agree with Yahoochiewatchie it is a hiss for me too.

Originally Posted by mkevenson

All 3 of the razors I have been stropping lately have been singing. Sorry that I can't describe the sound better. Am I the only one that hears this sound when stropping? Would seem to be highly unlikely for all 3 razors to have a chip in the edge. The razors shave well. Maybe I am hallucinating.

Your reply here leaves me wondering if you have some sort of magnification to check your edges ? Having nothing to do with the 'singing'. If you don't you should get a hand held microscope or at least an eye loupe of maybe 30x. Very revealing and you will be amazed at what you can shave with. An edge can have micro chips that can't be seen with the naked eye.

Originally Posted by BeBerlin

That is actually an FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions - Straight Razor Place Wiki, answer courtesy of the venerable Lynn Abrams.

I knew that I had read that before just couldn't remember where or the specifics. Thanks. Guess I should have searched better before starting this thread.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Just went to the strop and hit it a few licks with a Sta Sharp. I have to agree with Yahoochiewatchie it is a hiss for me too.




Your reply here leaves me wondering if you have some sort of magnification to check your edges ? Having nothing to do with the 'singing'. If you don't you should get a hand held microscope or at least an eye loupe of maybe 30x. Very revealing and you will be amazed at what you can shave with. An edge can have micro chips that can't be seen with the naked eye.

I do have a 30x loop. 2/3 razors were purchased new and honed by Lynn and KenRup. I have not looked at the edges of these. I will tho.

There are actually Extra Full Hollows (my razors of choice) that are called singing razors....
I am assuming that yours are not these types of razor or you would not be asking the question...

For others reference a "Singing" blade will have and "ing" sound on the strop especially a smooth leather type....

So instead of the normal ZZZZzzzzzzzzzz sound.....

You will get more of a ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzing sound...

Originally Posted by gssixgun

You will get more of a ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzing sound...

So that means "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that zing ?"

I knew somebody was going to be all over that post ...

Figures it was Jimmy of the fast hands..

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

So that means "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that zing ?"

Doo wap doo wap doo wap doo wap doo wap dooo wap doo wap doo wow

Originally Posted by gssixgun

I knew somebody was going to be all over that post ...

There are others keeping track... as of late, Glen has turned into a veritable juke box.

"shake, shake, shake, your razor"
"twist and shout"
"If it ain't got that zing"
...