Thread: Another newby strop question?

The pro for using a 3 inch strop is that you will not have to learn to do X strokes while stropping and the con is they cost more. The reverse is true of 2 inch strops. Personally I went for the 3 inch straight off.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

The pro for using a 3 inch strop is that you will not have to learn to do X strokes while stropping and the con is they cost more. The reverse is true of 2 inch strops. Personally I went for the 3 inch straight off.

Bob

Yup. What Bob said but I went the other way around and learning the X stroke helped my honing down the road but a 3 inch is nice and easy. Keep in mind no matter which way you go you will nick the bejeezus out of your first strop.

Originally Posted by Steel

Keep in mind no matter which way you go you will nick the bejeezus out of your first strop.

Ain't that the truth and for some of us less coordinated souls the second one too but not as badly.

Bob

Do not fall into the trap of thinking with a 3 inch hanging strop you can just use up and down strokes.
The X Or windshield wiper stroke should always be used on any size hanger

I would recomend buying 2 strops that are 2" wide to learn on.
Learn the X stroke.
Learn to make the "flip" gently.
A rapid stroke may look cute but it will not work as well as a light touch, moderate speed, and a nicely controlled X stroke.
If you flop your wrist while stropping you haven't learned good form.
The flip should be done with the thumb and forefinger with the wrist making very little twisting motion. ( I like the windshield wiper anology)
Most of the antique strops were 2 1/2" in width and with proper form and speed that size will perform wonderfully well.
The reason for 2 strops is that, as said above, you will hack up the first one and when you just know you have everything down to a fine fine art, you will probably put a few nicks in the second one too.
The third one won't be bulletproof, but by the time you get there you will have a lot less chance of damaging it.
Also If you get say Latigo and English Bridle Leather strops to learn on, you will have a much better idea as to what type leather you prefer when you order your "keeper" strop.