Stropping Strategies

[AFDavis11]

I have a few strategies I follow when stropping, just thought I'd share and see if anyone else does anything similar.

1) The perfect honed razor/WTG shave strokes:

Taut strop, light pressure, almost "dainty" strokes, about 10 passes.

2) The 'Against the Grain" Attack blade

Taut strop with pressure applied to the stropping, about 20 passes, followed by 10 passes using light pressure (usually there are a few intermediate passes using reduced pressure.

This is probably my overall best edge, but it's not always needed. This techniques seems to build draw on the edge. The technique produces an ATG edge that moves effortlessly through heavy whisker.

3) The fresh off the hone edge

Strop held lightly between two fingers allowing deflection, light strokes over the strop. The strop should only deflect a little. 20 passes. This technique seems to work best for "taming" an edge that is a little on the rough side.

I would say that I'm not that married to the idea that each strategy is tied directly to each problem. Just as likely if one thing fails I prefer to get a little more creative on the strop and try another technique before I rehone.

Does anyone else find that many varieties of technique seem to work well, or change strategies for the occasion?