Thread: Stropping problem - getting the razor to "sit down" evenly.

I've got a dozen strops, like any normal person, and I've never had one with "ripples/creases". I would think that would be a problem and I would take a shot at the bottle roll over with some pressure to try and flatten them if nothing else. The lather on the strop/bottle method is an old barber thing. I've never tried it either but here is a thread with pros and cons if you want to investigate it further. Posts by 'honedright' and Neil Miller are particularly instructive though on opposite sides of the method.

When I strop I have enough pressure on the spine to keep the razor on the surface and do the flip in a way that the edge just skims the surface with no pressure. I also do an X of sorts since I use 2 1/2" strops. Also, you say "semi taut". Try taut as you can get and see if that doesn't help. Not sure that it will. Worst case scenario, get a new strop.

Originally Posted by Phrank

Interesting...I never actually pull my strop, "tight", I always leave enough slack that there is some cup to it, IIRC, this is the proper manner, if there is such a thing LOL, I find with the slight cup to it, it provides a better contact between the blade and the strop. Most of the vids I've seen with barbers stropping, they never have the strop pulled tightly, you'll always see a good amount of slack / cupping...

Hmmm... that's an interesting point. Maybe I'm pulling too tight which is the cause of the problem. I'll leave a bit more slack tonight. I was concerned about slack because I didn't want to "roll" the edge.

Major,

English Bridle is a stiff strop and sometimes takes a while to break in. So yes, continue the daily hand rubbing. I do so no matter what type of a strop, shell cordovan to English Bridle. All these years, I have always kept my daily strops pristine by avoiding conditioners; the oils from your hands are plenty. I also give the strop additional slack, any type of strop, since that seems to add a magnetic feel to the leather. Finally, I strop the old barber way by angling the toe slightly forward going up — which in essence automatically gives you the X pattern — and returning with the heel forward. This is a little hard to do at first, but it does wonders with your blade. You'll get there little by little.

Quick question: Are you doing straight strokes of X strokes? My 3" english bridle is high at the center and low on the sides. Doing X strokes is all I need to get contact on the lenght of the blade over the course of each stroke.

Cheers.

Wasn't doing x-strokes. I started keeping the blade at and angle vs positioning directly across the strop, but maybe something like that would help. I always thought the x-pattern was for narrower strops.

A lot of guys, me included, feel that the X stroke is beneficial whether it is a 3" strop or narrower. Doesn't take long to get the hang of it and you'll be able to judge for yourself whether it helps the edge. I think it does.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

A lot of guys, me included, feel that the X stroke is beneficial whether it is a 3" strop or narrower. Doesn't take long to get the hang of it and you'll be able to judge for yourself whether it helps the edge. I think it does.

Good point - I can see the logic behind it. I'll give it a shot.

Well, my first job was making cinnamon rolls at a cinnabon in the mall - I'm still trying to work off the weight I put on while working there - but here's the point: I like to use a rolling pin, like I used to roll out dough. This allows me to put a little more pressure on the leather. Lay the strop on a flat surface, like a marble counter top or something similar - flat and hard. lay the strop so that the smooth side is up, then roll with even, firm pressure from one end to the other. Test frequently to see if any of the valleys and peaks are being evened out. I think you'll find this will help to make a more uniform surface for your strop. I don't use lather or any other oils. Like has already been said, the natural oils that transfer from palming the surface should suffice. It's argued that putting oils on the surface of the strop attracts dust and other particles which negatively effect the finish of strop. Best of luck!

Originally Posted by Pi3

Quick question: Are you doing straight strokes of X strokes? My 3" english bridle is high at the center and low on the sides. Doing X strokes is all I need to get contact on the lenght of the blade over the course of each stroke.

Cheers.

I was thinking the same x's or wiper strokes should help. Wiper - windscreen wiper on a car.

Originally Posted by MajorEthanolic

Good point - I can see the logic behind it. I'll give it a shot.

Yes - X-stroke for sure, essential, no matter how wide the strop, X-stroke ensure an even surface contact with the blade...my Illinois 827 is a 2.5" and the SRD Roo is a 3" strop, use the X stroke regardless....