Thread: Strop in between each client?

I am a barber and always use disposable blades but my husband bought me a beautiful Dovo straight razor with a wooden handle and my initials engraved. LOVE IT!! I stropped it and tried it on a client. It worked great but it didn't work so great on the second client. I don't really plan to use it on my clients but my question is, do you need to strop it each time you shave or did I just not get it sharp enough the first time?

It should be done between each shave. I usually stop 30-40 on canvas or felt then 80-100 on leather. Time consuming yes, but well worth it for the comfort level.

Not 100% but it might be illegal to use a "normal" SR on clients.

Originally Posted by Chevhead

Not 100% but it might be illegal to use a "normal" SR on clients.

Not everywhere…depends on the local laws. My last barber, who I went to for years before she moved on used to hang hers over the edge of the barbicide jar.

I did a perfunctory search and it IS legal in Florida.

What did you do with the razor? Was it a full shave or a little edge work? Either way it's important to know where the razor came from. Was it honed by a straight razor professional? If it has a factory edge then it may not be sharp enough.

In any case, you should probably strop before every shave in my opinion.

Michael

Originally Posted by mjsorkin

I did a perfunctory search and it IS legal in Florida.
Michael

Okay COOL... I couldn't find the answer on my search.

If it is legal in your area I would give the client the choice. You might be surprised how many would prefer an old straight to anything else. ( If it's sterilized properly). Seeing as how your new to all the maintenance I would do some reading. Maybe find somebody from in here to give you a crash course. It would definitely help you and your clients faces. We might have a few barbers in here that will chine in with advice.

Thank you so much! I only did about 20 on the linen and 60 on the leather. Like I said, I won't be using it on clients much but wanted to make sure I was at least doing it right.

You may want to check and make sure it was honed, shave ready. They do not come shave ready from the factory sharpened, but not shave ready. Some vendors will hone them shave ready before sending them out. If not many here can hone it for you.

You will also have to learn to strop, it is not like on TV or movies. There is much written here and on other sites and video on stropping.

It only takes one errant swipe when stropping to wipe out the edge.

Remember: 'Cute wears off real fast'. time is money; stick with the disposable 1/2 blade ones.