When you shave, and even when the razor sits dormant for a day or two, the little cutting teeth get all chaotic, aiming in a hundred different directions.

The stropping straightens them all out so they can cut well. Keep the razor perfectly flat and perpendicular to the direction of the strop, draw evenly and in a slight 'x' pattern to cover the whole blade from heel to tip keeping as much of the blade on the strop at all times. No pressure, just feel the gentle drag from the leather.

The friction from the linen helps warm the metal so it responds better to the leather. Some say it can help keep the blade sharpened too, but I don't know about that.

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