Thread: Using a Paddle Strop at an angle

As you may have alredsay figured out I'm new to the world of straights (but have been De shaving for some time).

I recently bought a Dovo hanging strop and a Thiers-Issard paddle strop from a BST thread on another forum and have been playing around with them over the last few days.

I've got some ongoing problems with my back currently and find that using a hanging strop and holding a paddle freehand doesn't help with my back problem.

I have been experimenting using the paddle strop resting on my thigh at a 45 degree angle whilst sitting on my bed and have found that this seems to be the best position for me in terms of back pain.

I'm not sure if this position is advisable or not in terms of stropping razors though. The spine remains in contact with the paddle throughout the range of motion and flipping the blade is easy enough (in fact that part of it feels the same as using the paddle strop freehand).

I wanted to check out peoples thoughts if there are problems or greater risks to the blade edge by stropping n this position or not (as I don't want to damage the edge that has been honed professionally on the razors I am currently using).

The great thing with a paddle strop is that the surface will always be level. as long a you ensure you keep the spine in contact with the strop and use light pressure you shouldn't have any problems stropping at an angle. Whenever I use my SRD paddle strop, I usually sit and rest the strop on my leg and haven't had any problems with nicking the strip or rolling the edge

I use my paddle strops in my work area for honing and refurbishing. Since I sit in a chair at my work table I simply rest
the end of the paddle strop on the table edge. As a result it angles down toward my waist. Pretty much the same angle
my hanging strops are used at. It's all good.

If you are comfortable doing it (and if you don't damage the edge), then it's not wrong. This hobby is all about finding what works for you.

All you are really doing, if you think about it, when you use an angle on the strop, is rotating your point of reference - if I were to pick you up and rotate you in space, I would find a point where your stropping would be perfectly flat, with reference to the stropping surface. So really, your stropping is correct - it is how you have placed your body in Euclidean space that is non--standard.

The set of correct stropping techniques is closed under translation and rotation, and maybe even reflection.

James.

~I have been experimenting using the paddle strop resting on my thigh at a 45 degree angle whilst sitting on my bed and have found that this seems to be the best position for me in terms of back pain.~
I see you mention back pain, sorry, that's not much fun. I purchased the SRD modular paddle which has helped me with my stropping. The reason I brought up what you had stated, is because I'm currently dealing with some issues of my own. I've been on crutches for going on a year and this has caused some numbing in my hands. Being able to find a "happy place" for me and with the strop adhered to the paddle, it has really helped. I liked what holli4pirating said, that pretty much sums it up!

Have a great weekend all, cheers, donv

I like to use my SRD Paddle after a honing session, which means I'm at a table, or snack table in front of the TV. I like to rest the paddle on the edge of table as well, or on my leg. Whatever feels most comfortable. I have back problems myself, so everyday stropping can cause me pain. I just have to find the right angle while standing there, I can usually work around it...Whatever works.

Thanks for the helpful replies guys.

It looks like using the paddle strip on my leg is definitely the way forward then.

I built my own paddle station and hung them on the bathroom wall. They are long enough that I can lean against the sink, pivot the paddle up high enough that it rests on my belly and strop away, ala Homer Simpson.

As long as the paddle is flat and not cupped, you're doing it right.