How many of you do this? I do it ... somewhat regularly between passes. I saw a post (I am pretty sure on this forum) that showed an Italian Barber demonstrating the proper method for hand stropping a Straight Razor blade. Of course I had to try it, and I find that it makes my shave feel smoother. I know that this topic was covered under the safety razor sub, and I do use this technique to improve a shave with a DE or cartridge if I am in a hurry, or don't have a fresh cartridge or DE blade readily available. With a few quick strokes, I see an improvement in the shave. YMMV I also use this simple technique with my pocket knives etc. with good results. What are your thoughts?
I'd sooner trust a piece of denim on the countertop. I just can't think of any good reason to palm strop a straight razor. The skin oils from your hand are not going to do the blade any favors in the long term. Edit: it's your shave, if you feel you get good results, keep doing it. I won't recommend it to others, though.
I found the YouTube video I was referring to. I guess "palm stropping" is the correct terminology. fyi
I've done it plenty, before I obtained a smooth finished strop. I don't see the need to do it during the middle of a shave, unless the razor is losing its edge. If it's doing that, then there might be something wrong with the steel(too soft and loss of its temper)..
Let me be clear. This does NOT replace stropping the razor on leather before the shave. It is not scary to me in the least, using a time honored technique. After all, if you think about it, you place a straight razor at your throat as a matter of routine getting a close shave. Your hands are far more able to accommodate the appropriate use of a sharp object - are they not in fact what you hold the razor with when you shave your delicate face? I just don't see the reason for any fear and trembling. Just be careful and deliberate. JUST LIKE SHAVING. As far as skin oils, I do this as a regular routine to freshen of the edge during the shave. After shaving, I always wipe my blade with alcohol. No "hand oil" remains on the blade for storage. As always, use this technique at your own risk.
This was use by people HONING the blade to eliminate the "Sparklies" so you can see / feel the true edge without getting up from the honing bench The internet has made it into something is was never meant to be
I hand strop frequently. No big deal to me. I have a better chance of cutting myself while pulling the sharp edge forward across my face, than when pulling the sharp edge backwards across a short stretch of my palm skin. It does not replace a leather strop, just adds to it.
Similar to the perpetuation of a number of shaving-related procedures such as the use of post-finisher finishers, unicot & dulicot methodology, and pretty much anything else that complicates the more direct path to shaving nirvana.
I failed to say that I hand strop while honing. I personally haven't seen any benefit from hand stropping while shaving.
I've had more and worse cuts to my hands than to my face The last was applying tape to the blade. I couldn't play my guitar for two weeks. Maybe I'm just clumsy.....
