Thread: Stropping in an arc.

I know most of the guides say to strop in an X pattern. However, do others find that an arc gives a better strop? When using an arc, it feel more like honing the spine, than stropping the edge which, I guess, means there's less pressure on the edge?

Last time I tried something like that it didn't turn out too well. Maybe it was my fumbling but I knocked my razor down from shave ready.

Personally I dont stick to a rigid X pattern or a rigid arc. As long as I get the correct coverage across the whole blade I make the motion that feels most comfortable!

Do whatever works for you. If you find you're making an arc pattern thats fine as long as you're not lifting the spine or doing anything hugely wrong..!

Good luck!

+1
I have had better luck with arcs than with X. For me the arc seems natural while the X must be forced.

I think I do the same...

Do you combine both arc's into a larger oval so that your stropping is almost a continual motion???? almost like one big circle???

Not me. I haven't tried a circle. That sounds difficult.
I just do identical arcs. Fast and smooth.
I hold the spine to the leather and let the edge just drag lightly behind.

Just found this where Kenrup makes the X look easy on a paddle:
YouTube - Kenrup Stropping Part 2