Thread: stropping on canvas

Do you have to go the same speed stropping on the canvas side of a strop just like the leather side? Also, is there a maximum amount of strokes recommended for the canvas side?

bill

Hello, Conan:

The speed I use to strop on the canvas side and on the leather side is the same for both: not too fast and not too slow. How do you specifically measure the speed? I suppose you can say by your level of comfort and stropping efficiency.

The stropping patterns differ among gentlemen shavers. I usually strop 25 strokes on canvas and 75 on leather. With razors that have a harder steel, such as the Wackers, I increase the ratio a bit more.

Regards,
Obie

Because the canvas or linen component is more aggressive to the razor's edge generally less is better, at least compared to leather. I usually do 40 linen/60 leather (never less than 100 laps total), but like Obie I'll up the ratio for harder blades or stiffer grinds.

It's a good sign that your razor needs a touchup when it stops responding to linen stropping, no matter how many laps.

Don't worry too much about the speed of things. I would just concentrate on stropping well enough to not damage your edges.

I strop at the same speed on both. You dont need to strop at warp speed, just a smooth comfortable stroke that ensures the razor makes good contact with the strop.

I usually do 30 material and 60 leather before each shave, and then 15 material and 25 leather after the shave (after cleaning the razor) to ensure that the edge is totally dry and free from any microgunk.

It really extended my time between honings when I started stropping after the shave as well.

Originally Posted by Stubear

I strop at the same speed on both. You dont need to strop at warp speed, just a smooth comfortable stroke that ensures the razor makes good contact with the strop.

I usually do 30 material and 60 leather before each shave, and then 15 material and 25 leather after the shave (after cleaning the razor) to ensure that the edge is totally dry and free from any microgunk.

It really extended my time between honings when I started stropping after the shave as well.

My routine is very similar. 40 linen, 60 leather before and 20-30 leather afterward. Edges last a long time.