Easy Newbie Question?

I'm wondering what would represent a typical number of strokes on the strop pre-shave (i.e., daily). I suspect the correct answer is something along the lines of "...the correct number is the correct number based on your beard, the condition of your blade, etc....". I guess I'm looking for a reasonable baseline as a first-time strop user. The razor in question is a brandy new Dovo carbon, and it was honed before being shipped to me by Tony Miller (thanks Tony!). I should also mention that I'll be using Tony's beautifully constructed 4-sided paddle strop, and using the red latigo leather side for daily prep...

(P.S. Why did I not just e-mail Tony directly? Only because I thought there might be other noobs out there with the same question. Just doin' my small part for my newbie peeps!) :)

Good thing you mentioned your strop. Paddle strops take more strokes to properly strop because they aren't as long. On my hanging strops I do about 30-40 laps, depending. I'd guess a paddle strop would need maybe 60 to get the same effect.

After awhile you'll learn the sound and feel of the blade on the leather, and will get a better idea of what you really need. But until you develop the feel it's better to play it safe.

I usually keep it to 30 laps before shaving. Then after rinsing and cleaning the blade I do 10 laps and put it away.

10 on canvas and 20 on leather is more than enough. Doing 30 never did a thing for me.

I usually do 20 on my leather strop and no problem.