Thread: 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.