Thread: stropping method

The flex style of use for a hanging strop can be difficult for some to master.
Especially so when when trying to emulate the old barbers on TV and video.
Because it is so hard many find a paddle strop or loom strop ideal.

The modular paddle strop from SRD also gives choices for media.
In fact both the hanging strops and paddle strop products from SRD have
replacement material and are assembled in ways that make exchange and
replacement easy.

I am a big fan of making a strop or two. Not because the results
are stellar but because making a good one is hard and the process
enhances the value of a well made commercial strop. My next project
is a loom strop. I always learn something about strops and
how I use them...

I've seen that video many times before, and remember seeing Barber's strop like that. In the 1960's and 70's, when I grew up, when you got a haircut, the Barber did your neck (cleaned it up) with a straight razor. It always scared the hell out of me. I remember him stropping it up, and me waiting for the long shiny blade to hit the back of my neck. When I started this hobby, I kept my strop taught, Now, that I have more experience under by belt (or strop) I keep mine a bit looser. I find it makes for better contact...Whatever you feel comfortable with...

I do have a loom strop, an old one from the 1800's. It's adjustable, but does have quite a bit of flex in it.

In the beggining I hold my strop very tight (I closely follow instructions) but now (many years from the first time) I develop my own technique and in many cases my strop is also little bit loose.
That also depends of the razor and honing technique. If I strop wedge razor which is honed with 2 or 3 tape layers I hold strop very loose in the other hand if I strop full hollow razor I hold strop tight.

The "taught strop, loose razor' Concept is valid, but from what I was able to get out of the translation of Honing the Nihon Kamisori is that the slack of a strop should be bent around the spine of the razor with the edge following keeping what is generaly a light tension of the bevel side. If you would see the illistration it becomes more clear. Your puttoing your force on the spine as you drag the razor and the edge is being put down on the leather with just enough pressure to straghten out the edge of the bevel. I know, confusing without pictures, sorry.

Just a thought, tinkersd.