Thread: New people and 3" strops

Can't spell great eithr!!

As a newer str8 user, one of the reasons to start with a 3" strop is so that you can get a good shave while learning how to strop properly. I started with a 2" strop and wasn't hitting the toe enough. I switched to a 3" strop, problem solved. My shaves got more pleasant and I got control of the X stroke. A month later and I was able to return to the 2" strop without any problems.
Just a newbie's thoughts.

Originally Posted by Razorfeld

What the "X" have I started? But we do need more xamples.

I have a teddy bear with wonky eyes who likes hymns - I call him Gladly - Gladly The X-eyed Bear

...groan...
Neil

I think a shorter hanging strop is the ticket, and 2-2 1/2" wide. My theory is a shorter strop doesn't twist AS much, and keeps my arms reach in a comfortable controlled motion. I've had a 2.5", 3" and 2" wide and all were longer @ 21" +. I cut every single one to the point of uselessness. I made a 2"x18" strop (copied from a vintage) and problem solved. So everyone has their own thing that works for them... Definitely agree on not suggesting a 3" strop to start out on. Need to learn your X's

Originally Posted by Neil Miller

I have a teddy bear with wonky eyes who likes hymns - I call him Gladly - Gladly The X-eyed Bear

...groan...
Neil

Groan is right. I have a Paddington Bear. He can't sing, thankfully, but he does give me the cold eyed stare on occasion. Then I make him sit facing the corner for awhile. (Where's my therapist when I need him?)

Originally Posted by Razorfeld

Groan is right. I have a Paddington Bear. He can't sing, thankfully, but he does give me the cold eyed stare on occasion. Then I make him sit facing the corner for awhile. (Where's my therapist when I need him?)

Only one therapist? That poor guy is certainly overworked with you on his books...

Regards,
Neil

Originally Posted by Neil Miller

Only one therapist? That poor guy is certainly overworked with you on his books...

Regards,
Neil

That does it! I'm sending you a Friendship Request. It is my duty to keep track of aberrant minds like mine in case of societal apocalypse.

Originally Posted by Steel

"All my X's live in Texas"

But does George Strait shave with one?

I have only had a 3" hanging strop since starting a year ago & I have always done an X or arching (windscreen wiper) stroke on it also with all razors from the get go.
If you are slack and don't use a X stroke you will pay with reduced shave quality in the long run it is the practitioner not the equipment that makes the biggest difference.
the same applies to the majority of recommended hones being 3" wide for the same reason as they pretty can well use the same X stroke techniques to get the full edge - just pushing instead of pulling
I don't think a narrower strop or hone will teach you a better stroke technique just a different variation of one

This is just my thoughts though.

Originally Posted by Neil Miller

Surely you mean x-actamundo....

Regards,
Neil

You beat me to it, good job i read on before replying