Thread: How do people cut up their strops?

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.

A common way to cut a strop is to flip the blade before you reverse stropping direction. While it is pretty obvious that this should never be done, sometimes the motions get really fluid and bleed together

Another way that I have nicked a strop (much more common on knives than razors) is when I set the blade on the strop, and before I intend to start moving, the blade moves in any direction other than spine leading as I find my angle. A really soft strop and a really sharp blade...cuts can happen almost without realizing it. Most commonly the blade moves in a direction nearly parallel with the edge (just like when you cut your face shaving...that (in theory) should never happen either)

In the end, its like locking the keys in your car...it SHOULD never happen, but when you let your concentration lapse, or try and get in too big of a hurry and stuff happens

Lifting the spine and the heel catches the edge of the strop and digs in. Lifting the heel during an x-stroke and the tip catches the edge of the strop. Too much pressure towards the blade and catches the edge of the strop. Flipping the razor edge down. Too much slack in the strop. Anybody else? These are just the ones I could think of off the top of my head.

Originally Posted by tiddle

Lifting the spine and the heel catches the edge of the strop and digs in. Lifting the heel during an x-stroke and the tip catches the edge of the strop. Too much pressure towards the blade and catches the edge of the strop. Flipping the razor edge down. Too much slack in the strop. Anybody else? These are just the ones I could think of off the top of my head.

Does anyone actually do that? that would definitely qualify as a risky practice

I think you pretty well have them covered...but any time you introduce the human element failure possibilities are almost limitless

I tend to go slow on stropping but that will not stop the occasional nick. I have a couple right near the handle on my strop. Its the only place i have found any on my strop so I think its from me initially laying the blade on the strop.

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.

You have something to brag about. In 2 1/2 years I have two messed up strops, and I've got two good ones ready that I've waited a long time to use until I finally get the hang of it. Very frustrating!

I think I'm naturally clumsy, which may contribute to my steep learning curve. Second, I'm trying to learn how to do it without bending my wrists, which means I have to flip the shank of the razor between thumb and forefinger while maintaining control of the razor. I find that challenging. If the timing of the flipping and the passing of the blade along the leather is disrupted, you've got the blade in an awkward position where the strop can get nicked or cut.

Some people, for instance those who are mechanically inclined, may be able to pick this up easier than others.

Given my experience I would suggest your gaining a little experience on the Poorman's Strop before getting an expensive one. It's about the time when you think you've got it by the tail that the unexpected happens.

I only go 3/4 across my strop down and back trying to avoiding getting careless and running the edge into the folded leather where the push pins are connected; one of those...crap! well won't do that again situations

It will happen...I went my first 6 months or so without it, then messed up two strops. Let your mind wonder or get off task is how I did mine.

My first was a slice. SWMBO asked me a question and instead of removing the blade from the strop I just paused at the top of the strop...but didn't flip. Downward stroke got about an inch of the strop before I could stop the motion. That soft SRD strop leather didn't even harm the edge...but had to order a replacement leather.

Yes, the feathery little "fillets" at each end of the strop are an indication that you are completing your flip before you have changed the direction of movement of the razor. To fix that you need to work on your flip so that it is fully controlled, and perhaps slow down a bit. You can also start the flip early and leave only the spine touching the strop for the last 3-6 inches of the motion, then complete the flip once the direction has changed. A two-stage flip if you like: horizontal to vertical....hold ...... vertical to horizontal (in other direction, of course).

Other, bigger nicks or cuts are usually as shooter describes: attention is not fully on the job. And then of course there is just plain stupidity - I am a master of that. Let's just say juggle stropping is something only trained professionals should try...

James.

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.