Results 1 to 10 of 10
Like Tree3Likes
  • 3 Post By onimaru55

Thread: Unstropped vs Stropped Edge

Hybrid View

  1. #1
    Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Posts
    46
    Thanked: 2

    Default Unstropped vs Stropped Edge

    What's up guys.

    Just quick question: While I do normally strop before a shave, I don't really feel that it adds anything to the comfort of my shave. Does anyone have some magnified pictures of a stropped vs unstropped edge? I constantly read about stropping smoothing out an edge but I can never actually see it and I certainly don't feel it. I've varied my stropping technique many times to include light or a decent amount of pressure, listening to the sound of stropping, feeling the draw of the strop, etc.

    Could this be an issue with the strop surface? What I mean is in when viewed in the light my black latigo leather strop appears to have some places that seem less "worn" and some that are smoother. Generally before stropping I run my hand up and down the strop to help generate some warmth on the strop. Would a strop dressing help to make the leather more supple, smooth, and shiny and thus help in smoothing my edge?

    This video is a perfect example of what I'm referring to on my strop: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgsEKpA4SUI


    Watch from about 6:32-7:00 and you can see how his black strop near the bottom reflects light like a mirror and is very, very smooth. Mine looks more like the top where you can see some wear and isn't as shiny.

    Thanks a bunch.
    Last edited by Eclipse; 12-13-2012 at 02:47 AM.

  • #2
    Senior Member JackofDiamonds's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Location
    Newburgh, Indiana
    Posts
    423
    Thanked: 71

    Default Unstropped vs Stropped Edge

    Well it may depend on how many laps you do. I personally do about 30 on cloth and 75-80 on leather. It varies IMO. I don't have pictures, but have seen a few on this site. There was an obvious difference.

    The variables are pretty huge when it comes to added comfort during the shave. Razor, soap, water, stropping laps, strop materials, brush material, prep, stretching skin, time to allow lather to set, ect...

    I wish I could point you in the right direction.
    It's just corn syrup... Warm, blood flavored, corn syrup ...

    -TT

  • #3
    At this point in time... gssixgun's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    North Idaho Redoubt
    Posts
    27,183
    Thanked: 13250
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default

    There are some high mag images that were done years ago by one of the Science Magazines showing what stropping actually does..

    It is on here someplace if I find it I will link it for you

  • #4
    Senior Member RARamirez's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Posts
    102
    Thanked: 4

    Default Unstropped vs Stropped Edge

    Subscribed!!

  • #5
    The Great & Powerful Oz onimaru55's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    Bodalla, NSW
    Posts
    15,638
    Thanked: 3751
    The white gleam of swords, not the black ink of books, clears doubts and uncertainties and bleak outlooks.

  • #6
    I used Nakayamas for my house mainaman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Des Moines
    Posts
    8,664
    Thanked: 2591
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default

    for the strop to keep supple, you can rub it with hand before stropping, or apply neatsfoot oil every month or so.
    As far as edge the strop should make a difference, to the edge.
    Stefan

  • #7
    At this point in time... gssixgun's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    North Idaho Redoubt
    Posts
    27,183
    Thanked: 13250
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default

    Yep that is one of them Oz, thanks

  • #8
    BHAD cured Sticky's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Indiana
    Posts
    1,306
    Thanked: 230

    Default

    Here's some more old, related pics. (DE blade)

  • Posting Permissions

    • You may not post new threads
    • You may not post replies
    • You may not post attachments
    • You may not edit your posts
    •