One idea for a practice strop.

Here is an idea for a practice strop.

Take

two Black Metal Binder Clips (or tape)
two shoe lace long hunks of string.
two sheets of news paper.

Roll the news paper into a roll about 1.5 inches in diameter.
My news paper is about 23 inches long which is about the
length of a long strop.

Apply the clips to both ends and
tie on a loop of string. One to hang
on a door knob or hook the other to hold.
Put the end of the paper on the bottom.

Now strop.

The tube of news print is soft/ tender
and will remind you to use a light touch.
The tube should not collapse or fold
if all you apply is the weight of the razor.

It is narrow so practice an X stroke.
If you own a wide leather strop you
can skip the X stroke.

Focus on a smooth turn over and
a smooth light stroke. Keep the
spine on the roll as you 'roll' the razor
over between your first finger and thumb.

Practice for a minute then
take a two min break.

Next make the roll with a single
sheet of news paper. Again
it will be 'tender' and inclined to
collapse so use a light touch.

An adding machine tape 2" to 3"
wide can also be used but does
not have the tender feeling that
a roll of news print does.

Keep the length of your stroke
the same as your "real" strop. Perhaps
a bit shorter so you would not bang into
the rivets and hard bits on a strop.

Smooth, light, correct turnover keeping
the spine on the "strop".

New paddle strop?...

Make a roll of paper about the same length
as the paddle. Mark an area that matches
the strop surface length and location.
...or...
Trace the outline of the paddle on cardboard.
Cut it out and practice a light smooth stroke and correct
thumb roll.

If you nick it -- slow down and
be smoother.

Have fun.

Wish I'd read this when I started shaving! I nicked my first strop to hell and back! Good thing it was only $30 :P

I find that I just don't roll the razor between my thumb and forefinger, but with my other 3 fingers also, it makes a BIG difference to help keeping you wrist as flat as you can during the turn.
that is I use all my fingers when I turn the razor on it's spine before the next stroke.
IMHO hope that helps someone.

Another idea for a practice strop....

I went to the local saddlery and bought a 2" x 4' piece of scrap saddle leather for $15 (on very expensive Long Island. I'm sure it could be had for much cheaper just about anywhere else). That price included the saddler putting a brass grommet in it so I could hang it easily. When I got home I promptly cut in in half and now I have two practice strops to play with, although I'll have to put the grommet in the second piece myself.