Thread: zipping sound on canvas

Originally Posted by ShavedZombie

IME: If you're using nylon or SRD's Poly Web, the zipping is normal... However, if you're using canvas (Specifically TM's Raw Linen) you'll get a zipping sound when you raise the spine and, by doing that, put too much pressure on the edge... Don't do that

Cheers,
Jeremy

Hi,

It is a "fine linen" canvas according to the imprint on the strop, an Illinois razor #827. I try it to night and see about what I'm doing.

Thanks,
Mike

That's why we all sing Zip-pity- Do- Da while we strop.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

That's why we all sing Zip-pity- Do- Da while we strop.

Ahh your killing me.

I hope in key.

Mike

Originally Posted by ShavedZombie

if you're using canvas (Specifically TM's Raw Linen) you'll get a zipping sound when you raise the spine and, by doing that, put too much pressure on the edge... Don't do that

If you're implying that TM linen is somehow silent while stropping, even with a whisper-light touch, nothing could be further from the truth. By the very nature of the material some audible noise will definitely be heard while stropping regardless if the spine is lifted or if the razor is deadflat the whole time. In other words the zipping is normal.

But then again, we're debating the cause behind a "zipping" sound, something that is neither quantitative nor scientific, so I digress....

Originally Posted by Ryan82

If you're implying that TM linen is somehow silent while stropping, even with a whisper-light touch, nothing could be further from the truth. By the very nature of the material some audible noise will definitely be heard while stropping regardless if the spine is lifted or if the razor is deadflat the whole time. In other words the zipping is normal.

But then again, we're debating the cause behind a "zipping" sound, something that is neither quantitative nor scientific, so I digress....

I was not implying that. Not at all. However, I was saying that it should not have a zipping sound. TM raw linen produces a rasping, scratching noise when in use, whereas nylons and polywebs cause a zipping sound.

Originally Posted by ShavedZombie

I was not implying that. Not at all. However, I was saying that it should not have a zipping sound. TM raw linen produces a rasping, scratching noise when in use, whereas nylons and polywebs cause a zipping sound.

Hi,

Hmmm .... we be talking about the same sound. I just got done stopping a bit to hear it again. It is zipping but does have a scratchy element to the sounds too.

I've lightened my pressure and am now trying to make a deliberate x pattern. It has reduced the sound on canvas quite a bit.

Thanks,
Mike

The Illinois 827 is a great strop.

As others have said, tension is good as long as it is reasonably taught (2-3mm of sag is fine) but the bigger thing is making sure that the spine of your blade is in contact with the strop. Lifting the spine will damage the edge.

The Illinois strops have a very stiff, almost plastic, linen and it does a great job producing that zipping sound when used properly.

Be deliberate with your stropping and make sure that your spine is in contact as you create your x pattern. The sound should be consistent, if it changes too much you could be doing something less desirable.

Odds are, for the time you are putting into thinking about this, you are fine!

-Rob

Originally Posted by sicboater

The Illinois 827 is a great strop.

As others have said, tension is good as long as it is reasonably taught (2-3mm of sag is fine) but the bigger thing is making sure that the spine of your blade is in contact with the strop. Lifting the spine will damage the edge.

The Illinois strops have a very stiff, almost plastic, linen and it does a great job producing that zipping sound when used properly.

Be deliberate with your stropping and make sure that your spine is in contact as you create your x pattern. The sound should be consistent, if it changes too much you could be doing something less desirable.

Odds are, for the time you are putting into thinking about this, you are fine!

-Rob

+1 on "listen".

Up and down should have the same sound....
Changes clues that there may be a problem (or not).

As for tension lay the razor closed on the strop and
tighten to the point that the strop sags about 1/4 of
the width of the closed razor.... i.e. thickness of the
blade.

Another way is that the tension is about what it takes
to lift a can of beans. Pressure by the razor on
the strop should be light -- very close to the weight
of the razor itself.

Adjust with time and experience.