Thread: Stropping and Shave

Yeah my stropping is similar. I tend to make shorter, fast stopping strokes as depicted in the video, even with a bit of deflection as shown (but I tend to keep my strop flatter). Occasionally I'll use more of the strop. Sometimes I mix. Kind of arbitrary. Can't say one is better or more effective than the other. As long as the edge gets sticky sharp I'm happy. Notice that the barber here doesn't check his edge before shaving - probably already knows that the edge is "there." Although I'm not sure what he's doing immediately after the stropping as the customers head is blocking the view. He picks something up off of the back-bar and takes the razor to it. Maybe some sort of paddle strop?

Also, I'm not one who agrees with the "light touch" approach to stropping. I learned a long time ago that some pressure - more than just the weight of the razor, is necessary to get a really keen shave-ready edge. I notice in the video that the barber seems to use quite a bit of force while stropping (watch his forearm muscles). He's certainly not babying that razor.

Also, beginners should take note of this guys shaving technique - multiple, short "sawing" strokes as opposed to big single swipes with the razor. That is how you get a BBS shave with one pass (assuming you've honed and stropped your razor adequately - of course).

Scott,

Good points. I'm not clear on what is happening as a third step either. Maybe a sharpness test, maybe more stropping. I know there are a few people who use a variety of strops, like grit of sorts.

I find that I have to wait a bit to begin this type of stropping action. Just off the hone, maybe a few shaves in, it seems the edge is too delicate.

I use and prefer short strokes too. I don't scythe too much, but I do like to use it as a finishing stroke of preference. Second pass maybe.

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

Scott,

Good points. I'm not clear on what is happening as a third step either. Maybe a sharpness test, maybe more stropping. I know there are a few people who use a variety of strops, like grit of sorts.

I find that I have to wait a bit to begin this type of stropping action. Just off the hone, maybe a few shaves in, it seems the edge is too delicate.

I use and prefer short strokes too. I don't scythe too much, but I do like to use it as a finishing stroke of preference. Second pass maybe.

He's definitely picking something up. It's visible just behind the customers head and seems to have a square end and light tan in color. Looks like the barber is making stropping motions, turns the what-ever-it-is over, then makes more stropping motions. Pretty sure it is some type of small hand held strop. Likely with one side prepared differently from the other. Pastes maybe?

Now I want one, what ever it is....damn it! I thought I was past the AD phase.

My guess would be that his paddle is his finishing leather. The first is definently a canvas/linen strop. Its possible that he has some type of chalk or white paste on it, then his second leather to clean the blade off then to the paddle for the finishing touchs on the blade.

And is it just because I can't tell exactly where the paddle is but it almost looks like he is doing cirular strokes on the paddle?