Thread: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,... Wait, where was I at (Strop Stroke Counting)

I have ADD really bad and just as soon as I start counting my strop strokes I forget where I was.

What I usually end up doing is putting on some music, and strop on each side for one song. I have no idea how many strokes I am getting in.

My question is, how long does it usually take you all to strop 100 strokes (200 movements total)?

My stroke speed varies. I start some what slow, speed up, and then once I start hearing that I am putting too much pressure on the business end of the razor, I slow down (When I go fast I tend to lift off the spine which I know is no bueano).

Thanks

I usually do 40 for everyday touch ups, and do a 100 when taking off a stone.

100 stokes would take me about 1 and 1/2 min.

You really cannot over strop if your technique is good, so if you are getting good shaves do what works.

I am like you. I can not count while stropping.

I do linen then leather and just keep going for a few minutes. There isn't any magic number and as long as I do an estimated 50 -100 laps I'm fine. The whole process takes about 5 minutes.

The thing that worries me most is that you are lifting the spine. That will kill your edge quickly. Go as slowly as you need to to avoid lifting. You will develop more speed later, for now though proper technique is most important.

Michael

If I forget where I am in my strop count, I just start over. It's a good lesson for me and is good for the blade. This can result in lots of laps, but the blades seem to enjoy it as much as I do.

Originally Posted by Swan

What I usually end up doing is putting on some music, and strop on each side for one song. I have no idea how many strokes I am getting in.

My question is, how long does it usually take you all to strop 100 strokes (200 movements total)?

Do you mean that you strop one side only repeatedly before switching sides? Stropping is usually done switching sides after each stroke.

I hate stropping,to me it is a chore I start the shower,start stropping,when I see steam in the shower I stop,no clue how many strokes I make.

Originally Posted by sheajohnw

Do you mean that you strop one side only repeatedly before switching sides? Stropping is usually done switching sides after each stroke.

No I strop both sides of the blade one after the other, what I meant was each side of the strop, i.e., linen then leather.

Well..I think a song is usually about 3.5 to 4 minutes long. So I say strop to the second chorus.

Probably would take me about 3 minutes. I usually to 60 laps though. I like going at a medium pace. More relaxing while still going kind of fast. (Unless I am rushed then I just go for it lol)