Thread: Beginner Questions

I've only been straight razor shaving for a couple of days now.. first shave 3 days ago.. I have an Illinois 361 strop... and I have basically done nothing to it accept rub the palm of my hand over it a lot... and I've practiced quite a bit with and old razor on the linen and leather..trying to get the hang of the technique.. how fast. how hard or soft etc. I have put a few nics on the right side of the strop at both the top and bottom of the strop.. I then started practicing on the canvas side only.. its a lot tougher and it sure won't hurt my old razor...

Today I read on Wiki that it's a good idea to get a practice strop till you have your technique down... Well... that now sounds like a great idea to me.. in the mean time how do you best repair the nicks on the edge .. and .. how much of a problem are they anyway..

If I'd do it all over again... I believe I'd practice stropping for 2 to 3 weeks before I started shaving! Got a shave ready razor and had a great first shave.. but I'm worried my stropping is going to dull it soon.. keeping a sharp razor seems to be primary to a comfortable shave!

I've read everything and watched everything there is... i believe I just need more paractice and more trial and error.. I'd rather error on a practice strop however...

Tnx in advance for any advice you can give a beginner newbie..

Maq

I'm not sure what your questions are. I'd say a practice strop is a good idea, but that if you take your time you'll probably do little damage to your regular strop. A little pumice or sandpaper, lightly, can remove any nicks.

Remember to never let the razor stop moving on the strop. That is how it gets messed up at the top and bottom. Change the direction of motion in the opposite direction before the edge touches down on the strop for the return trip.

Twist the shank in your fingertips as you strop. The wrist does not move.

Practice is key and having another razor to practice with is a very smart move. If you really do feel you need a practice strop then the Filly from RupRazor is your best bet at $20 including shipping. One side is pasted too so you can use it as a touch up strop and also as a travel strop.

RupRazor - The Filly

What you are looking for in your stroke is an even rhythm. Pressure should be just enough to keep the blade edge and spine on the leather during the stroke and then you change directions by rolling the razor on the spine. If using a hanging stop, it should be taught, but you don't have to pull and keep it so tight that you are straining your arm.

Have fun,

Lynn

Originally Posted by Maq

how do you best repair the nicks on the edge .. and .. how much of a problem are they anyway...

Strop treatment and repair - Straight Razor Place Wiki explains how to repair a nicked strop. How much of a problem the nick will be depends on how deep it is. Superficial cuts can be remedied as described. Deeper cuts can be a problem. If in doubt, post a picture of the damage.

Thanks very much guys... I've been practicing stropping... it appears to me to be vry important to consistant good shaves... I believe that I have been able to repair my strop too... tnx again..

Maq

The filly works great on new razors. Most times you get what you pay for, these being the exception to the rule, there are great values out there. I have been using mine 3 months with no problems. I do however have a TM Latigo/Linen that I have been waiting to use till I nick the filly a couple of times first to get that out of my system, but I guess i've been too careful, I may have to pull it out for use before that happens. With all the talk about nicking strops around here I was nervous, now I would have to agree with a previous poster that if your careful your first strop may be your last.