Thread: Do's and Don'ts

I have been Str8 razor shaving for a couple three years now and somtimes my stropping technique just plain stinks. It's as if my dexteriry does away for one or two day's a week!! I don't know why but I have to at times even after all this time slow my stropping down and be very careful with each stroke, don't figure I'm the only one, but just maybe I am??
Most of the time though I do a fairly competent set of laps on my strop before a good shave, just not all the time.

It may also be the style of your hanging strop that's effecting your method. Not sure how you would test this idea out without trying different strops. Ideas?

thanks to all for the advice and ideas. Things have been going a bit better, the main change I have made is that I've slowed down. It has helped on my consistency and has made me aware of little problems I was having. Probably the worst of which was allowing the blade to fold closed a bit during a stroke so the blade was no longer at a 90 to the strop. All in all, things have been better and are getting better. Thanks, donv

Well: In my personal opinion, if you want to get a paddle the Lynn's modular will be the right choice. The reason for me to say that its because its 3 inches wide, 12 inches long and you can add or eliminate leathers to the main wood frame. Not like the others that you just have what you purchased. In the other hand I also have to say that I used the paddle if i'm traveling or if I need to touch up a little the blade with out taking out my stones. In that direction I will use the diamond fluid with the felt pads. I hope this helps.

thanks
Kenneth

Stropping does require your undivided attention. If your shaving with a str8 regularly, Stropping should become second nature to you. I know, for me, If I'm distracted, or have something on my mind, other than stropping. It's an accident waiting to happen. Paddle, Hanging or loom, it doesn't really matter. To me, it's personal preference. I like a hanging strop for regular everyday stropping. I like paddles for post honing. I have one old loom strop from the 1800's, that's just cool to have. I don't really use it, but it works fine. Any of these will meet your needs. Make sure your strop is at a good comfortable level. I like mine just a tad above waist level, and use it at a slight angle. I use carabiner's on all my hanging strops, and have them in a walk in closet with that modular wire shelving, so It's kind of adjustable.

This is what I like, and what works for me. I think that's key, finding what's most comfortable for you to work with, then your technique will improve.

I use to hang my strop on the back of the bathroom door and use it from that hook, it was far too high up and comfortable, it also played havoc with my stropping technique because I was working at a steep angle and hight. I then moved it when I use it to a a hook on the house back door, its an old curtain tie back hook or somthing, my technique improved as did the quality of the blade edge because the strop was at waist hight and very comfortable to use.

So in short where you hang your strop and its hight makes a big difference I find.

Well, on Monday I received my modular paddle strop from SRD. I can tell already this is going to work out better for me. I was having trouble finding a comfortable way to use my hanging strop. I never mentioned that I'm dealing with a broken leg, and standing too long is a problem. The paddle is easier to use while sitting. One thing though, the smooth leather that came with it is very nice, very smooth; too smooth. It's slick as a gut. I've been giving it it's little massages and hand rub downs. I have some Fromm strop dressing, but thought I'd check with message board before I do something I may regret. I do like the way it worked on my hanging strop, but I would still appreciate the opinions of you'all. Take care and have a great, safe Independence Day!! Don V

Use the palm of your hand on the leather just before you use the strop. Nothing else is needed unless you so dislike the light draw you wish to increase it which nearly every type of strop dressing I am aware of will. Read Lynn's recent posts about stropping and caring for the leather.

The leather on the paddle should really not need any dressing. The palm rubbing as already stated is really good and the leather will develop more draw as you use it. With the paddle as with the hanging strop, both the spine and the edge should be in contact with the leather and you change directions by rolling the razor on it's spine. I would try to go slow but steady. Too light or too much pressure is not your friend nor is being too tentative with your stroke.

Have fun.

Thanks Lynn! I tend to over analyze, and over worry things I do. One thing I can't order is patience. I received a razor from you today, tomorrow will be it's first shave. Take care and I hope things cool off for you'all back there. It's been around a hundred here, but with no humidity, hang in there!

Don V