Thread: How do people cut up their strops?

Originally Posted by EggSuckingLeech

I have only stropped 3 times.

I watched many videos and I do it relatively slowly on my "Poorman's Strop" from Whipped Dog. I do it on my counter. I got this strop because I was warned that I would likely ruin one. I even got a back up.

But so far, I dont think I can see how I would cut it. I'm not saying this to brag (3 times lol) but I'm asking what are the common ways that folks ruin a strop so that I can proactively avoid making those mistakes?

Thanks.

I don't have anything to add to the ways guys end up cutting their strops, but I will say you're smart to start out by laying your strop flat on the counter and stropping there. This method forces you to slow down and you can really pay attention to things like how much pressure you're putting on the blade and how much contact your edge is making with the strop. You'll also master the flip this way. All this means that you'll be less likely to cut your hanging strop out of inexperience. You still have to pay attention to what you're doing, but this method will put you in pretty good shape.

I wonder the same thing, I have never cut mine. The most damage done to my go to strop was my son decided to take a bite from it so it has some teeth marks.

I have been guilty of the early flip filets. I have not committed one in a while (knock on wood). Most times with them, I didn't even notice I had taken a little filet out until I was done stropping. They tend to be quite small most times. A pumice stone takes them out in no time. Never cut my strop any other way than that though.

I hope your no-cut streak continues!!

I actually didn't cut a strop until I considered myself proficient. Then, one day my mind wandered and boom...there went my favourite 'roo leather strop.

A similar and related question could be, "how do people make mistakes?" If you do it right, you won't mess up.

Even so, no matter how simple or carefully crafted is the design, nothing is idiot-proof!

I've asked myself the same question, and another member and I were discussing this just last week. I still have no idea I have put some minor nicks in my first strop but if you take it slow and focus, at least IMO, you should never actually cut your strop.

I felt the same way. Then I cut mine.

Maybe one experience says how easy it is to at least nick your strop. The light socket in the room was not working so for several months I had to strop in semi-darkness. Thought I was improving by stropping "in the dark" because I wasn't worrying about messing up. When I got the light back, I saw all those nicks I didn't realize I was making.

I honestly think the reason I don't get tired of straight razor shaving is the endless challenge it presents. Once I think it have something perfected I'm knocked on my derrier and it's back to the drawing board. When I re-establish a skill it is so gratifying to feel like an expert at something.

And the good thing, at least in my experience so far, is that if you are prepared to always review and critique yourself, that improving and endless challenge doesn't stop. Who'd have thought that about shaving? We've turned an everyday little task into an everyday time-pocket of joy and relaxation. You can't get cooler than that.

James.