Thread: Straight razor stropping

Thank you, Sham, I have been using your advise on stropping for the past while and it has improved my shaves! I am grateful.

Sham,

Thanks for the video that i find most educating. Your right way is ok with razor that have 'typical' tang. For the last few years i've been trying to practice my stropping so that the movement of my wrist becomes minimized. However i still find this way very difficult with razor that have very thin tang - you can't turn such razors just between your thumb and index finger. With those i still have to take whole different hold of the tang and turn my wrist some more. I still think there's no something as absolute wrong or right as long as person is able to find himself the best control of the blade the way or another.

Originally Posted by Sailor

Sham,

Thanks for the video that i find most educating. For the last few years i've been trying to practice my stropping so that the movement of my wrist becomes minimized. However i still find this way very difficult with razor that have very thin tang - you can't turn such razors just between your thumb and index finger. With those i still have to take whole different hold of the tang and turn my wrist some more.

i agree with you 100% . it is not easy to strop thin shank blades.Specially if you have big working hands.

I actually find stropping razors with bigger custom scales to be difficult. I have a custom Bengal that is tough to strop because the scales are rounded and are big thick wood. I seem to prefer flat scales, like on a Pearl duck Special no.1.

While I haven't noticed issues with large or small scales, I frigging hate floppy blade to handle issues when stroping. I think the pin is worked hardened as I can't seen to tighten up 2 of my blades that are loose when opened all the way...

Gentlemen:

I am quite adept at rolling the razor's shank between thumb and forefinger, whether a thick shank or thin, with or without jimps. I encounter an occasional problem with shanks that have a thumb notch. That usually calls for a touch of improvisation, if slightly awkward, with the position of thumb and the forefinger. Any thoughts?

Regards,
Obie

Originally Posted by Obie

Gentlemen:

I am quite adept at rolling the razor's shank between thumb and forefinger, whether a thick shank or thin, with or without jimps. I encounter an occasional problem with shanks that have a thumb notch. That usually calls for a touch of improvisation, if slightly awkward, with the position of thumb and the forefinger. Any thoughts?

Regards,
Obie

will you please post video of it. use old strop and just show how you strop the blade.
that may help people same as me to see the problem .in that case i may be helpful.
So far i understand your thumb touches to the bottom of the blade there is the location of the thumb notch?
is that right?
if yes then move it on the side where is the stamp (wont be easy you need to train a little) and try see how that will feel.
in this case you will avoid the thumb notch.
hope it helps

Hello, Sham:

Thanks for your note. I'm afraid I do not have access to a video camera.

In recent weeks, however, I have done exactly what you suggest and it seems to work. I have moved my thumb out of the razor's thumb notch and closer to the pivot point on the shank. That's what I meant by improvising.

It's a little awkward and I am still getting used to it. You're very correct, though: your suggestion is a good way to overcome the problem with the thumb notch. Move the thumb out of the cavity and closer to the pivot.

Many thanks. I'll keep you apprised of my progress.

Regards,
Obie

Originally Posted by Obie

Hello, Sham:

Thanks for your note. I'm afraid I do not have access to a video camera.

In recent weeks, however, I have done exactly what you suggest and it seems to work. I have moved my thumb out of the razor's thumb notch and closer to the pivot point on the shank. That's what I meant by improvising.

It's a little awkward and I am still getting used to it. You're very correct, though: your suggestion is a good way to overcome the problem with the thumb notch. Move the thumb out of the cavity and closer to the pivot.

Many thanks. I'll keep you apprised of my progress.

Regards,
Obie

Obie keep it going you will be fine. takes time.gl

My dear Sham:

You are a pro, sir, and your advice and suggestions are most welcome.

Regards,
Obie