Thread: My stropping technique.

Originally Posted by natepaint

So, I wasn't completely wrong then.
Thank you for the link.
@ TexasBob. I am slowly trying, so I will do the best.

The link that Jimmy gave you is one of the best descriptions of how the strop stroke should be done. I think I am a fast reader, but a slow understander. I red this link a while back, and just didn't get it. In a recent conversation with Jimmy, he pointed out the part that went over my head. Make sure you understand the easyest part of this, and that is the part about the holding and placing of the razor.

The natural tendency is to place the bottom tang on the thumb pad and the top tang in the first joint of the index finger. Yep, that's how I was doing it. Holding the blade this way, and watching it as you stroke slowly, you will see that the blade can move toe up, heel up, left or right. If you do as the article suggests and hold the blade with the thumb pad on the top tang, and the index finger pad on the lower tang. Place the blade on the strop and make sure the spine is always flat, and move it along the strop slowly. You will feel the stability of the blade, and with a taunt strop, you won't roll the edge.

Start out slowly like this and make sure you start to feel the drag on the razor. It is that drag you are looking for. As you get better with it you can increase your speed. This isn't a race, and no one really cares how fast you do this. Find the most comfortable speed for you that works.

Keep at it, you will get it.


Ray