Thread: Old-school stropping vs modern stropping.

I strop about every 3 shaves. I use fireash on my linen and, as you've noted, experimented with VERY mild abrasive on "daily" plain leather strops. Typically, I just use them clean.

I've never really understood the need to strop every day and have found that most of the old traditional references will work great but take time to really analyze and understand. I usually don't correct people when they reply that about what they do, as it is well, what they do. Most references do say you "need" to strop every shave.

I've found that all the "modern techniques" work but usually are quicker. I relate this to a lack of patience or a desire for more effective action.

Oh, I should add that my learning curve for stropping was particularly long because I never noticed any difference. I suppose if you don't damage the blade much shaving there isn't much to correct with a strop. After a few shaves though I can tell the difference.