Thread: pro stropping style

Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider

That wasn't my original text, I should point out, but I'm agreeing with it somewhat, though I have no microscope.

Do you think maybe the strop removes oxidisation, and that's what straightens the edge? That is, the uneven edge IS the oxidisation (rust) formed and stropping removes that rust formed in clumps and so takes the edge back to the straight edge is was prior to rust forming and disfiguring the edge.

Just thinking aloud...Surely there is also some 'burnishing' of the metal...

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.

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.

That's very interesting. I think I need to buy a microscope

The way Liam Finnegan does it probably evolved over many years. He may not have started doing it that way.

Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider

Hmm. I love thinking about this but it also annoys me. I like the article and the photos, and one could imagine the oxidation being removed and hence the edge being smoothed. However, I'd like to see the other article. I swear a newly honed razor without being stropped feels different (harsher?) than a newly honed razor that's been stropped. And if there's no visible difference, then WHAT the F is happening??? I'm freaking OUT man! Will there NEVER be an answer?

I actually like the statement in there and many other places that "Anyone who uses a SR knows Stropping does something good to the edge"

Honestly over the years and after several lengthy tests of my own, here are my conclusions and I honestly could careless if anyone believes them or not

1. Burnish is a good word to describe the action to the edge from stropping
2. Convexing of the edge occurs only from improper stropping, and if it occurs at all from proper stropping it happens well after the edge is due for a touch up anyway so it is a moot point.
3. Stropping does remove micro-corrosion, I can see it on my White Linen strop
4. DE and Disposables use blade coatings to make their razors shave smoother we use a strop
5. Taut is the proper word used to describe how to hold a hanging strop
6. The flip is the most important part to learn when stropping
7. If you pay attention to the spine while stropping and make sure it moves equally and evenly across the surface all will be good
8. Slow the heck down and learn the technique before you try speeding up "Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast"
9. Use a stropping pattern that makes sure the entire blade edge is hitting the strop
10. Finally... Don't overthink the whole issue, there is little doubt it works, relax and enjoy the shaves

I agree, Glen.

I have envisioned burnishing in my mind's eye.

If you think the edge is fragile, think how fragile the little ridges (effectively raised from the hones, and fairly easy to see under strong magnification) are. These poorly supported slivers of steel could easily be pushed around and molded somewhat like modeling clay (in my mind's eye). I suspect this theory may explain what a strop does that results in a blade feeling less harsh than if it were straight off the hone.

I could be way off, but for those who are frustrated trying to envision what is happening, simply accept my explanation as *absolute fact* and put your mind at ease

And enjoy the shave.

Am sure Glen is correct,wanna do a test?? try doing say 3 shaves,with the same blade without stropping it.
Than you will know the rest of the story

I remember seeing a post here maybe a month or two ago where a member had access to an electron microscope. In his pictures the effects of stropping were definitely visible. This was for me, the first (and only) objective evidence that stropping has an effect on the edge.
If stropping changes the surface on the sub-microscopic level, it would explain why the kind of leather is not too important.
The pictures gave me confidence that stropping was indeed necessary, and also helped me lighten my pressure used to strop. (understanding that if what was going on was at a submicroscopic level, much pressure was not needed- or desired)

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Am sure Glen is correct,wanna do a test?? try doing say 3 shaves,with the same blade without stropping it.
Than you will know the rest of the story

To me, stropping before each of the three passes I usually do makes a big difference. It is not essential, but in case I do not strop before any pass I can tell the difference.

Originally Posted by larrybob

I remember seeing a post here maybe a month or two ago where a member had access to an electron microscope. In his pictures the effects of stropping were definitely visible.

I do not have a electronic microscope, mine is just optical but has a magnification up to 1280x. However the effects of stropping on the edge are quite visible with a lower magnification as well. Never had the chance to see the same on an electronic microscope, though.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

8. Slow the heck down and learn the technique before you try seeding up

That's what's great about SRP. Ask a question about stropping and we'll even give you some advice about gardening.