Thread: Need some stropping critiques.... Here is me!

I cant be 100% sure but it looks like you are applying a little bit too much pressure.

Looks good. I'd close that door if possible. You'd have a much more stable base for your strop if the door couldn't swing.

More important though is whether or not your stropping is getting your edge keen. It matters not how your technique looks, but more how effective it is for your razor.

at first use only 1 line don't grab both lines.(strops)
your stroke toward to you is right but away is wrong. try to put your thumb on the top of the shank where is then name of the company makes the blade(and make stroke) not on bottom and push.

Your getting the hang of it. Close the door and loop the strop to the knob a little better because if it slips off the knob you stand a chance of nicking your strop or worse cutting yourself, badly. Your pressure is a little to heavy judging from the sound. It would be ok if you were a pro but go very lightly since you are starting out. The edge is very delicate and lightly still accomplishes a lot.


Take Care,
Richard

Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

at first use only 1 line don't grab both lines.(strops)
your stroke toward to you is right but away is wrong. try to put your thumb on the top of the shank where is then name of the company makes the blade(and make stroke) not on bottom and push.

I think the way he grabs the razor in towards motion is the razor for some extra pressure? The way the tumb lies on the shank just will result in some extra force down.

The problem is you are left handed. Left handers can't do anything right.

I speak from experience, of course.

Your stropping looks fine.

I disagree with the "too much pressure" statements. Stropping is effective if you aim for a bit of draw (or better: friction) on the strop. Many would be surprised to find out what difference the right kind of draw can make. The only downside is, that IF your stroke is erroneous, it will also demonstrate high efficiency in ruining the edge.

But your stroke looks nice and even, and in good contact with the leather surface. One minor remark: when you flip, you tend to drop your hand a slight bit, it looks as if the toe ever so slightly looses contact for a moment. You immediately correct it, but for that brief moment, all pressure is exerted at the heel of the razor. It's so minor that it probably has zero effect on the outcome, but I'm mentioning it anyway. I grabbed the video off Youtube and watched it in slow motion to see it.

If you really want to take this to the next level, you'll have to learn how to keep your hand completely steady and not turn your wrist at all. You should be able to lay a coin on the back of your hand, and it shouldn't fall off. That would also solve the minor problem mentioned above.

Best regards,
Bart.

Thanks Bart..... I will practice and re-post soon.

Barry