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Hey guys,
Just got my first razor with a barber's notch and I'm finding stropping with it pretty tricky as compared to a normal razor. The only way I can strop with it properly is by holding the razor by the very end of the scales. Do you guys do anything different when stropping your razors equipped with a barber's notch?
JF
I don't see how a barber's notch could make any difference. Are you talking about something on the tang?
I have three Barber's notch razors and don't strop them any differently than the others.
Maybe your razor has some spine work? Let's see a pic.
Do you consider a barber's notch to be in the tang (which I suspect) or at the toe?
oops My bad guys! I'm talking about the "Thumb rest" area on the tang of the razor!
I'm pretty sure he is referring to a "thumb notch" and not a "barber's notch." I actually have had this same issue stropping blades with a thumb notch. To me, it is very uncomfortable and I always feel like I am going to slip and nick my strop.
I dislike it so much, I am contemplating selling my one razor with a thumb notch as I just do not like the feel when stropping. It feels like an accident waiting to happen.
Back to the original post, any suggestions on stropping a razor with a thumb notch?
Edit: Looks like he beat me to it.
thanks for your input bud! That's exactly my feeling too. I just got the razor today so I'm sure I'll develop a technique for it! It looks so good that I can look passed the stropping issue!
It means you are stropping with your thumb placed on the bottom (Thin Edge) of the tang...
Your thumb should be either on the flat (on the stamp) of the tang or the corner of the tang.. this will eliminate this problem...
Hint: the more different razors you strop, the more you will like the corner, that way it never changes the feel...
I hope this makes sense without a pic :)
The shank of that razor looks relatively thick where it meets the scales. I think your best bet is to do what you are doing and try to get comfortable with it. Grip it right above the scales on the thick part of the shank.
My razor seems to have an even thinner shank than that.
+1 to this. Switching to this method helped with stropping my older sheffield razors with the extra wide tangs.
I have not cut any strops since switching either....
Quote:
Originally Posted by gssixgun
Thanks for the suggestions guys! I think I should be okay! I still haven't used it to shave though...Do you guys notice anything different handling the razor over your face?
I think the grip they are referring to is for stropping, your shaving grip shouldn't change. JMHOQuote:
Originally Posted by Dups
I find some razors are more difficult to strop because of the thumb notch or if the handle is really narrow. I think the narrow grip is more of a problem than the fact that it has a notch. Especially Japanese razors with a handle that is unwrapped. I take it slow and easy, I know the feeling like you are going to nick the strop (or your face)!
Take care,
Kurt
As you use all types of razors you will find (as others have) there are many types where you will find stropping awkward at first. The thumb notch is one and the ones with the long monkey tales are another and any badly balanced razor is another and some razors with very thick scales too. Probably the very small razors like 2/8s are another. When I strop these I just go very slow because it's easy to lose your grip and that ain't pretty. Sometimes you do have to figure out an alternate grip to suite your style of stropping.