Thread: Trouble Keeping Razor Open while Stropping

Originally Posted by mapleleafalumnus

I didn't say that your grip is NOT the problem -- it could still very well be. I just really don't see how a loose hinge pin is causing your problem. Like I said, a real head-scratcher!
I'll look into getting a camera for my computer this weekend. If you're friends w/Glen (gssixgun), PM him for a photo of his grip. After all, he IS one of the true experts here.

Oh ok.. Well, once my razor gets back ill see what the issue it. Will ask Roy tomorrow(thats when he should get my razor) and see what he thinks. I'm not "friends" per say with Glen, but we seem to share some common views when it comes to gun laws, so Ill drop him a line.

I'm sure he knows who you are by now -- after all, you're a LEGEND!--and will be happy to show you his "professional" stropping grip!

I've honestly never heard of this before.

Ok well that's a good thing!! Just saw your edit, Thanks If he is online, I'll message him now..

And I do agree with you it is kinda odd. Searched a bit before I posted and didn't find anything....

g'nite, Parker

Night Maple!!!

This is the grip I use. I hold the razor very lightly. I don't think gripping should be an issue; in fact, I feel too tight a grip may be detrimental; you need to give the razor some slack to move. If you grip too tight and place the edge wrongly you WILL roll the edge; a looser grip will allow for a bit of movement and also less damage. I some times (often) move the scales to a more obtuse angle (190 deg?) rather than having the scales in line with the blade.

How's the pivot? Is it loose? Does the razor stay open for your SOTD pics or do you have to prop them open? I like tight scales. Also, the shape and style of the razor plays a massive part on how easy you may find it is to strop. I replied to a thread today about that, coincidentally. I find some of my razors rather a hassle to strop; I'm afraid. Some are much easier than others. I like for my stropping to be meditative; but over about 70 laps and my mind wanders. Lately I've even found myself looking in the mirror rather than at the strop, which of course is an activity fraught with danger.

Gymnast? No wonder you can do 30 chin ups. Try this exercise/test. Sit on the floor cross legged. make sure you have a clear area (maybe outside). Place your hands by your sides, on the floor, at your hips, flat on the ground. Keeping your legs crossed, extend the arms (you need long arms for this; mine are longer than my height) to raise your body off the ground, legs still crossed. Under control, swing your body and legs, still crossed, through your arms, backwards. After they are through your arms at right angles to your body, lower your head to the floor and start slowly extending the legs and continue to swing them up to the ceiling or sky to do a head stand. No one I know has been able to do it, but I could when I was in the army. No. I'm not going to demonstrate.

Thanks a lot for the picture Carl! I think this is similar to how I use my razor, then again, not much memory to draw on. I really to thing the pivot is loose. For the Sotd picture, I did not have to prop it up, but it did take me about 5 minutes finding that angle so I didn't have to. If it was any angle lower than that, it just fell shut. So, I think it is loose pivot, but then again what do i know!!!

About that test, yes I am able to do it! If I get really bored tomorrow I will demonstrate. In gymnastics, that is called a press to handstand. Headstand in that case. When I still did it,(about 2 years ago) I was able to have my legs extended straight with extended arms. And, without touching my feet to the ground, stay in that position and go all the way up into a handstand. I really do miss it.

Thanks again Carl!!!

Parker

Hey Carl!

Back in the day I could bench 350 lbs. Couldn't do what you described, though. Parker can --that's why he's a LEGEND!

I was never good at bench presses, I'm a small fellow (75 kilos, 5 foot eight). Parker is clearly being self depreciating, he clearly knows a lot, he's obsessed, as we all are. I mean about stropping capability and knowledge, etc.

Parker, are you saying you miss gymnastics? Why aren't you doing gymnastics? I should have done gymnastics.

Originally Posted by parkerskouson

I think I will do that. And I'm glad it isn't my grip that is the problem!

Thanks maple!

Parker

Have you checked the stropping videos made by some of our members?
They clearly describe how to hold the razor properly.
Here a few that the search function turned up.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/video...ing-video.html
http://straightrazorpalace.com/strop...ing-video.html
http://straightrazorpalace.com/strop...-draw-tip.html

we aheva strooping subforum take a look at some fo the threads for tips, in the end if stropping is the problem only practice will help you improve.