Thread: Dumb Qstestn. #12.7x10 to the ninth power

I always read about how important it is to keep the strop very tight, in spite of all the info to the contrary I've read on the blogs lately. And that if one doesn't rolling of the very delicate Str8 edge will and does result. Makes sense. Ok, this is were I bloody well will show up my ignoranse on the subject. Wouldn't a strop, paddle in form or really good leather glued to a perfectly flat surface keep the blade at the desired 0 Deg. angle and naturaly keep the edge from rolling?? My meaning if I"m not being very clear is, wouldn't a paddle strop by its very construction better garaurnty a more consistant stroping surface, Ol' right, let the laughing begin!!
Thank you all for all the help you've be to me in the last year or so, its meant a lot to me and I"m very greatfull.

Thanking you all in advance, I am, still yours,

tinkersd of SRP
[Please excuse my spelling errors]

Yes, it would. The primary benefit of a hanging strop is the length which produces more stropping action against the edge.

In my opinion only . . .

A perfectly flat paddle strop, without the give of a hanging strop, has less ability to compress under the spine of the razor. The gentle flexing of the hanging strop can help create a tighter geometry on the edge of the razor as well. The bending of the strop under the spine helps produce a triagular geometry toward the edge. Too much of this and the razor will begin to dull sooner, even immediatly on that current stropping, but more likely over time.

Eventually the strop will produce a mild secondary bevel and this is what produces the shave quality of razor like, vs well honed smoothness.

As the edge begins to dull a bit a little deflection can be used to work the edge, even though it's not in- line with the edge completely.