Holding a hanging strop

I can't believe this question isn't addressed somewhere in this forum but I haven't found it yet. So, when you hold a hanging strop, and assuming your strop has both a leather and linen strop fastened together at the top, do you hold both strops together as you work or just the side you are stropping on and let the other piece just dangle? I had seen it done both ways and started out holding both together. But then I saw a video with the side not being used just dangling so started trying it that way. I think I have more control and feel but thought I would see how others handle this, especially those with more experience than I have.

"Hello, my name is MapleLeafAlumnus and I'm addicted to stropping."
I usually let one dangle. As a rookie many...ahem...moons ago, I used to hold both whilst stropping. I guess I've just gotten lazy in my middle-age.

I only hold the side I'm using. Seems to work well enough.

I hold one component at a time, but I always have to steady the other, hanging component first to stop it moving about before I start stropping. Learned the hard way, I'm sad to say.... Still have nightmares of the 'gash' that resulted on my first strop!

I'm waiting for the noble and gallant SirStropalot to chime in with his expertise.

Well, I'm a both holder. No particular reason. Except on some cloth, web, linen I like the extra backing for a little more consistency. But, really! :shrug:

Regards,

Howard

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Originally Posted by mapleleafalumnus

I'm waiting for the noble and gallant SirStropalot to chime in with his expertise.

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How expert is this? :shrug: :roflmao

And once again the dashing SirStropalot rides in to save the day! :rofl2:

I hold both, I just like the way it feels.

I have no handles, so I just hold the end of whatever strop (component) I'm using.

I hold both. Its easier for me that way.

The top with my right hand and the bottom with my left. No, it might be the other way around... Or is it both with both hands? Have to check in the morning(:-).

As the replies already show there's no right or wrong.

I do both, with my Neil Miller I hold both, with the Kanayama I hold one :)

I hold both together and this is why:

1) I've found that the additional thickness of both the linen and leather held together provides a sturdier base upon which to strop. This also seems to help limit the amount of deflection while stropping.

2) I've noticed that if I hold only one part of the strop allowing the unused part to dangle, the dangling part starts to swing about while stropping causing the entire strop to bounce around. I think this makes the strop unstable and diminishes the effectiveness of the strop.

3) I find that it is easier, and more comfortable for my hand, to grip both pieces together at the same time.

Those are some of my observations - YMMV

I use a "quick release" C-clamp for no-handle strops. It also keeps my fingers away from any slashing blades. Better screw a blade than a finger joint.

Hmm to hold it or let it hang...that is truly the question. Well.......if it feels right then hold it...if it feels better to let it be free,then let it hang. You are the master in charge,so only you can decide.No one can hold it for you,let alone tell you to let it hang. This is a question best pondered in one's own head I suppose.....good luck.:angel:

I only hold the one that is in use.
The other(s) are left to dangle in the back:)

I like strops with D-ring handles...here is why.

I hate when the dangling end sways and taps the wall as I strop. To prevent this dangling end from doing this I need to hold it. I use the pinky of my holding hand to secure the dangling strop and provide the correct tension on the strop I am using with the remaining fingers.

Is my answer wrong? Or do I win a prize?

:D

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Originally Posted by mumpig

I can't believe this question isn't addressed somewhere in this forum but I haven't found it yet. So, when you hold a hanging strop, and assuming your strop has both a leather and linen strop fastened together at the top, do you hold both strops together as you work or just the side you are stropping on and let the other piece just dangle? I had seen it done both ways and started out holding both together. But then I saw a video with the side not being used just dangling so started trying it that way. I think I have more control and feel but thought I would see how others handle this, especially those with more experience than I have.

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Try both ways and go with whichever you like better? Practically it does not matter.

I don't think any of my strops are exactly the same length on both sides.
Holding both together seems like it would be a PITA...

I only hold the side that's in use.

Gentlemen,
I hold both strops. No particular reason, really, except that I have always done it that way.

Gentlemen, I appreciate the responses. I am getting a very firm "either way -- stropper's preference" as the definitive answer. I think I can put this hurdle behind me.

When I first started stropping, the dangling strop would swing enough to make me stop and steady it , then begin again. I my have been wrong, but I figured it from bad technique. So I made a point to learn how to strop with out the swinging. Seems to work ok for me.

I hold both. I can just keep moving onto the felt or linen with just a flip of the hand without having to stop. Plus the other piece would just be flopping around, and I think I would find that annoying. this is on a strop where both pieces are connected.

I've done it both ways, usually one component at a time. I'll hold both for particular strops where the second component swings.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mumpig

I can't believe this question isn't addressed somewhere in this forum but I haven't found it yet. So, when you hold a hanging strop, and assuming your strop has both a leather and linen strop fastened together at the top, do you hold both strops together as you work or just the side you are stropping on and let the other piece just dangle? I had seen it done both ways and started out holding both together. But then I saw a video with the side not being used just dangling so started trying it that way. I think I have more control and feel but thought I would see how others handle this, especially those with more experience than I have.

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That's a good question and I'll be honest with you in that I never gave it any thought. I hold both together, but I was never told to or not to do so. I'm guessing that it doesn't matter.

Until today, I only held one at time.

That was because my old strop only had one piece.

NOW, I'm uptown with a fancy schmancy two piece with a linen strop and a horsehide.

Holding both of them together seems to work just fine and feels more comfortable to me. :p

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Originally Posted by Wullie

Until today, I only held one at time.
:p

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wullie

you are my hero!