Thread: When to strop?

In the last few weeks I have bought 2 brand new razors. A Thiers Izzard and a Revisor.

Both were supplied ready to shave, the way they shave I can believe it!

But- my question is, the paperwork that came with both said not to strop until it had been used for 'several' shaves. Why is that? I've always stropped after and before using a razor (OK, older vintage razors) However it has to be said that both razors have been used for about 3 shaves each and feel fine.

What should I do? Don't want to wreck them.

I would take one, strop it and shave with it. If it shaves, at least you know your technique is good. If it doesn't, you always have the other for back up.

You are Not Going to hurt those edges by stropping! (at least if you are stropping Correctly) For the life of me I can't understand 'why' anyone would include those instructions.

I'd rather keep up with the ever so slight amount of 'wear and tear' that shaving does, then try to play 'Catchup' later.

With that said, I don't strop after shaving, I wash the blade with liquid dish soap, then rinse with hot tap water, then wipe as dry as possible, then use a blow dryer to make sure it's dry, then I use Ballistol Oil to lightly coat the blade, then put it away.

As always Everything about Straight Razors is 'Personal Preference'

Just guessing but maybe they don't want someone stropping and ruining the edge and then have to take a "defective" razor back. If you don't strop and it doesn't shave right at least it's clear it's not the stropping that did it.

Thanks Chaps- I have to say I do agree with you.
I'll try them both once more as they are then as LexTac says I'll strop one at random, try it and compare.

Interestingly I've recently bought an old semi wedge 'John B Hobson' of Sheffield, back to life- that definitely needs stopping after and before each shave- and it does shave.