Thread: Stropping technique

Originally Posted by shorynot

I must be doing something right though because im not butchering my face, or having and razor burn issues. And my shaves are getting progressively closer and closer

You are totally right! I think, learning to hone and tp strop a razor might be
a lifelong task. There are probabbly hundreds of ways doing it. Of course, there are certain rules, e.g. "don't lift the spine". The stropping technique surely depends on size an ground of a blade. I experienced, that light touch, no give at all works properly for 4/8" full hollow razors, my #14 Filarmonica or 8/8" W&B definitely need some give. Without give, the strop does not touch the edge properly, it won't ruin the razor, but the shaves tend to be a little harsh and less close.

At the moment, I am convinced that a more or less powerful drawing motion is the key to success. Moving the razot carefully with almost no blade contact and at a low speed over the strop is just not enough to re-align the edge.

Keep experimenting, guys! Maybe everyone has to find his own special technique. If a super taut strop, that won't bend at all during blade contact, works for somebody, it's ok. Like honing, there are probably millions of ways doing it.