Thread: Stropping A Smiling Edge

I'm sure there is more than one way to skin a cat. The way I do it is make a normal stropping motion, but slowly "rock" the razor from toe to heel. The way it works out is that it takes maybe 4 or 5 strokes to get from the toe to the heel; think "heel, back middle, middle, front middle, toe." I go back and forth as many times as I feel like, usually totaling about 50 strokes or so. I find this easier than trying to do a whole "rock" on each stroke.

ok i think i follow you. so for every 1 x-stroke on a regular blade a smiling blade would need more like 4-5 strokes? so do you end up doing more total strokes or do you just keep it to the normal 50ish?

I smell a good how-to video project for someone with some extra time on their hands! any takers? anyone??? anyone???

I suppose technically you would need more strokes, but I just do the same amount. I haven't found it negatively affects my shaves, so I don't worry about it too much. It would be interesting to try to optimize shaves and edge life while minimizing strop strokes, but I don't have the time or inclination to try such an experiment.

If I had access to a video camera, I would gladly post a video. There are a few things I've been thinking about videoing, but still no camera...

well good info even without a video. thanks, man!

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

There are a few things I've been thinking about videoing, but still no camera...

TMI, brother.

Originally Posted by pz93c

TMI, brother.

You only see what you want to see, my friend. I was talking about other tutorial type things.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

You only see what you want to see, my friend. I was talking about other tutorial type things.

Yeah, probably.

Yep, I've worried about this as well. I've never really noticed any difference.

In theory, a narrow strop would work best. They ride along the smile and rotate slightly to maintain contact, an advantage similar to that from narrow hones.

Wide, un-cushioned, paddle strops would be the most problematic. Follow holli4's rocking method for that.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

I'm sure there is more than one way to skin a cat.

I have discovered at least five. Experiments continue...


Regarding the stropping: I've never had a blade with a smile so severe that regular x-stroke type stropping didn't work on it. The strop has enough give to allow it to flex and accomodate the smile. On a paddle strop you might need to do something different, I suppose.

I seem to recall posting on this topic very recently, but here it goes....

IME you don't need special strokes to strop a smiling edge. All I do is give the strop a bit of slack, allowing the entire blade to be in contact with the leather throughout the stroke. Works great for me.