Thread: Stropping A Smiling Edge

Hey Guys,

So I know that honing technique on a smiling blade (such as a W&B Celebrated) is different from honing technique on a straight edge blade, but should stropping technique also change? Or do you continue using the standard X-Stroke as usual?

Justin

P.S. Happy St. Paddy's Day to everyone!

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

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.

good advice from you guys, as always. thanks!

I'm with Eric on this one. Even my smiling blades seem to get stropped just fine with regular stropping.

I guess if you had a blade with a really exaggerated smile then you might need to change your stroke slightly, and also if you were using a paddle strop with no give in it. But so far, for me, regular stropping seems to work fine.

I think you got really a good advice from srp member .
Please don't MAKE circular motion strokes you would be fine.this sounds funny but it has happen.
g.