Thread: Stropping is King

Scott...

It seems that several of us who use straights wind up coming across information that tells us that pressure of some type has to be used to get something done. That can be anything from using sandpaper for restoration, slicing off the surface of a hone with our blades, or stropping.

I keep trying to come up with analogies, and it's hard to give an example that everyone can relate to.

I have just used my mailing scale and tried to replicate the pressure on that when I try to explain how much is needed for a specific task. I know everyone here would like to know how much pressure you are using when you strop.

I'm wondering if anyone has comparisons we can relate to and share them with the rest of us. My wife suggested the amount of pressure it takes to fold a piece of paper and leave a crease in it. Then, the amount it takes to leave a crease in two sheets... etc. That seems to be a pretty good one, but maybe there are better examples.

Maybe the pressure we use to warm our hands from the cold as we rub them together... any others?

Originally Posted by Joe Lerch

Let me say one thing here. If I made anything clear, it is that I took Scott at his word. I was even willing to let him use the new strop on his own and come back with his result. On the basis of his word alone, I was willing to proceed with my offer and pay for the strop if he got it to work. I think that shows trust, and I hope Scott understands that.

what I don't understand is the peple who are saying that I questioned his word or insulted him in any. I assure you I'm just trying to understand what's going on and , hopefully, reproduce it. But first, we need to rule out the most likely cause.

Scott, I hope you understand this, and if I offended you in any way I apologize.

Joe,

No offense taken.

Scott

Originally Posted by urleebird

Scott...

It seems that several of us who use straights wind up coming across information that tells us that pressure of some type has to be used to get something done. That can be anything from using sandpaper for restoration, slicing off the surface of a hone with our blades, or stropping.

I keep trying to come up with analogies, and it's hard to give an example that everyone can relate to.

I have just used my mailing scale and tried to replicate the pressure on that when I try to explain how much is needed for a specific task. I know everyone here would like to know how much pressure you are using when you strop.

I'm wondering if anyone has comparisons we can relate to and share them with the rest of us. My wife suggested the amount of pressure it takes to fold a piece of paper and leave a crease in it. Then, the amount it takes to leave a crease in two sheets... etc. That seems to be a pretty good one, but maybe there are better examples.

Maybe the pressure we use to warm our hands from the cold as we rub them together... any others?

Pressure is a real "ify" thing. Sometimes my arm is sore after stropping because I found I needed more pressure and more strokes to get the HHT quality that I wanted. And sometimes I am happy after fewer strokes with lighter pressure. All with the same razor and strop.

If I change razors, same strop, It could change the way I strop that razor.

There are so many variables involved. I don't know if this can really be objectified consistently.

The only "objective" tests I can rely on are the ones I've already mentioned. And actually the ones that everyone else are already using.

How about this: Hone your razor until it passes the HHT. Next strop your razor until it passes the HHT with a smooth cut to the hair. Not just a brisk or springy "pop", but a smoooooth cut. Then shave, using my suggestion of the "guillotine" effect by angling the razor appropriately. I use short, multi-strokes with the grain and across the grain as appropriate. Pay attention to pre-shave face prep. (I like William's with a coat of Lucky Tiger Molle underneath. Fantastic results).

See how that shave feels. If it's a good shave then you've done a good job.

I like to do a few post shave strokes on the strop (linen and leather) before putting it away.

The next time you shave, repeat the stropping procedure above. Go for the smooooth HHT then shave.

Just keep doing this and see how many comfortable shaves you can get.

That's as close to a description as I think I can ever get.

Good luck,

Scott

Originally Posted by Joe Lerch

I'm thinking of another experiment. What would I have to put on a strop to get the results Scott does- strop with that only, indefinitely. I estimated a grit equivalent to about .05 microns might work, but I have no idea what is that fine. If anybody here knows about such things, I'd like to get their input.

Joe
I have a "The KEEN Strop"paddle strop with this on the instruction paper on the case back: The Keen strop has calf facings. The dark side has a SPECIAL preparation ENTIRELY free from grit. Grinding is unnescessary as the dullest razor will answer to a few strokes of this premier strop.

Now there is the magic strop paste to find to try out

PuFF

Originally Posted by superfly

I'd say Scott has very light beard.

But.

My friend is using a straight razor for over 25 years, shaves daily with a rotation of 4 razors, 2 of which are stainless Henkells, his strop is pasted with red paste, and he uses a daily dab of shaving lather before each shave. The strop has a very sleek, waxy feel, and he is using a bit of pressure, I'd say 3-4 times the weight of the razor. He is honing his razors once a year, with circular honing pattern, on a 4x1.5" yellow Coticule...

Nenad

Yes, shaving lather is a good strop conditioner, and give fantastic draw. I use this method on my old horse shell strop though not before evry shave, just once in a while.

PuFF

Sounds like we're finally getting somewhere . . . but I'll stay out of it.

I've said we could accomplish more with stropping and using pressure a long time ago, so I'm not worried about that.

Originally Posted by PuFFaH

Joe
I have a "The KEEN Strop"paddle strop with this on the instruction paper on the case back: The Keen strop has calf facings. The dark side has a SPECIAL preparation ENTIRELY free from grit. Grinding is unnescessary as the dullest razor will answer to a few strokes of this premier strop.

Now there is the magic strop paste to find to try out

PuFF

I don't think I know that one. Where can I get it? I might even contact the manufacturer if it works.

I you copied the text correctly, I find it confusing. It says the dark side preparation is free of grit, which would seem to be pure leather. I assume the other side must have grit and doesn't require honing. Am I understanding this right?

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

Sounds like we're finally getting somewhere . . . but I'll stay out of it.

I've said we could accomplish more with stropping and using pressure a long time ago, so I'm not worried about that.

I wouldn't disgaree if you were trying for material removal, because we know from hones that you can remove more by adding pressure.

I don't know if he'll post here, so I'll just paraphrase something Lynn said in another thread. He says that you should be able to strop for months, without even refreshing a razor. Isn't that what Scott is saying?

Since the experiment is destined to involve him, maybe we need his input first.

Originally Posted by Joe Lerch

I wouldn't disgaree if you were trying for material removal, because we know from hones that you can remove more by adding pressure.

That's steel on stone so sure your'e going to remove metal, but carbon steel on a horse's ass? I think I know who'd win that battle. I'd be surprised of leather removes more than trace amounts of the metal.

X