Thread: Diagonal vs X stopping

Hello all,

Due to my first strop being knicked in some unfortunate places, I started stropping diagonally (top bottom, bottom top in an / pattern instead of X pattern). I was wondering if there was any evidence that this could hurt the razor? I can see how it can use the leather rather quickly, but until I get a new strop, I’m stuck with this technique.

Any opinions?

Cheers

I'm having a hard time visualizing what you're diagonal stroke is like. No matter, depending on what the nicks are like you can usually sand them out, glue them down with Contact Cement or epoxy. So you may be able to repair the strop. It that is not the case then try the diagonal stropping and if it does the job no worries.

I don't foresee an issue with this outside of the leather and perhaps some strop cupping. I never led a strop stroke with the toe, if I understand this correctly, so... could be fun?

JimmyHAD: Instead of using the X patten and always leading heel to toe, he intends to only use / pattern. He'll go heel to toe from bottom to top, roll the razor and strop toe to heel top to bottom.

RATM: Does that follow and/or is it correct?

Falingore: that’s exactly right. I’m looking for a 3 inch bench strop now so until then that’s my solution.

Very cool. I'll be interested to know what you think of the technique after a couple of days or a week. Might be something nice to have up my sleeve should the need arise.

I don't see any issues with it harming the razor. The entire blade is getting contact with the strop and there is lateral mvmt.