Originally Posted by
razorguy
I am not an expert in metallurgy, what I can say is just the result of my observations on a microscope. The fact the edge looks shinier and clean after stropping it can certainly be the sign of rust removed from leather.
However it is also clear, at least to me, that stropping between passes improves the blade greatly and, I guess, it is quite improbable rust develops on the edge in just ten minutes or so.
Also the edge looks different: irregular before stropping, more straight after stropping. The linearity of the edge, I can tell, also depends on the razor itself, I guess, the quality and type of steel.
The profile too changes according to the type of strop being used. The hanging strop seems to make the edge more convex than a paddle strop, also by showing a different light reflection on the side of the edge.
Once again, I am not an expert in metallurgy, so I cannot speak in proven technical facts, but I simply say what I see on a microscope. And, as a matter of fact, it is amazing to see on a microscope the differences between razors and types of blades, including disposable cartridges and DE blades.