Thread: Stropping Speed.......

So i am wondering besides the obvious....ie less chance for nicks.......is there any advantage to stropping faster or slower in terms of end result or will you achieve the same results in the same number of laps at any speed???

We did a thread about it awhile back the poll varied from about 20 laps per minute to above 60 but the average fell in the 30 laps range per min
You can search it out if you want

There was another test done back in 2007 that found that at a very slow speed there was a loss of effectiveness

As long as the speed is moderately good to you will be fine. No need to zap a long like lightening when you strop. Matter of fact I have been doing this for three years but I have yet to get that ZAP speed like other guys, but my speed works fine.

I have been doing this for 45 years and I like to strop in the 80 to 90 lap range per minute but for someone just starting out, I would recommend 30 to 45 laps per minute. The whole idea is to be in control of the razor while stropping. Stropping is very much like the golf swing. If you focus and stick to a prescribed method, you'll hit a decent shot every time. However, if you are nervous and tentative, you will jump/lunge at the ball and the result will not be satisfactory at all.

Only a smooth and controlled stroke will keep your razor sharp and your strop nick-free. Watch the videos and read the blogs to get a good idea of what you need to do in order to strop properly.

Try some "slow-motion" stropping until you get the feel of it.

Jerry
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my speed is variable anyways, i start off a little slower and get up to full pace by about 25 laps, i definitely go more on the feel, and i think you can "tell" when you've stropped enough, the sound and feel becomes a fraction smoother

Very helpful information thanks. I like the 30 laps per minute suggestion as that is about the speed I am comfortable with at this early stage.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

We did a thread about it awhile back the poll varied from about 20 laps per minute to above 60 but the average fell in the 30 laps range per min
You can search it out if you want

There was another test done back in 2007 that found that at a very slow speed there was a loss of effectiveness

Here you go.

The key is to go as fast as you can safely do, and no faster.
Speed will increase naturally as experience is gained

I agree with everything said so far. Just to add to the background, that stropping speed experiment basically found that there *was* a critical speed below which nothing seemed to be doing much good, but anything above that speed was fine. Happily, that minimum speed was very slow - slow enough that beginners would have no troubles whatsoever iirc.

So practice your technique - speed is not an issue. Besides which, the only way to gain speed is to get your technique down anyway.

James.

Hey guys thanks for all this info and glen and Otto for the older thread! I do about 30-45 laps a min and it feels good just wanted to see what everyone thought were about faster being "more productive"