To shave effectively, straight razors have to be kept sharp.That is the reason why you will often see barbers running straight razors along a leather strap.The strap version is the most popular, but you can also find strops in paddle or loom form.They are used the same way, but with a different grip.Cloth on the opposite side of the shave is used to rid the blade of water.
Step 1: Get a strop.
These are easy to get.You can buy cheaper models online.You can get these for as little as $5 to as much as $25.If you have been using a straight razor for a while, you should invest in a strop that will last longer.Stores that sell straight razors are where you can get these.These usually cost at least $50.There are three types of strops.The straight strop is the most common type.The wooden paddle is attached to a piece of leather.The leather runs around a wooden frame rather than being attached to the paddle strop.
Step 2: Put one end of the strop towards you.
The strop should point at you at a 45 degree angle.It makes stropping the straight razor simpler and less likely to cut into the leather if you are a beginner.The location of the anchor point doesn't really matter, you just need to make sure it stays where it is.Door handles and towel bars are examples of a good anchor point.You should lay one end of the loom strop on a stable surface if you are using a paddle.The strop is at a 30 degree angle if you hold the handle and lift it.
Step 3: Take the razor away from you.
The edge of the blade should point away from you.The edge should contact the strop at a slight angle if you keep the blade lifted.Light pressure will push the razor away from you.
Step 4: At the end of the strop, flip the razor over.
When you reach the end of the strop, flip the razor so the spine is pointing towards you.Roll the razor between your fingers to flip it if you want to make sure the blade is touching the strop.It takes some practice, but eventually this will make stropping the razor quicker and more efficient.
Step 5: You should bring the razor with you.
The razor should be pulled toward the bottom of the strop.Don't use any more pressure than you used on the way up the strop.The edge of the razor makes contact with the leather the whole way down if you maintain a slight angle.When you reach the bottom of the strop, flip the razor and bring it back up.For 15-20 more passes, repeat this stroke.The razor should be passed over the preparation side.This side is usually canvas or cloth.You will use the same stroke about 10 times if you decide to do so.
Step 6: Two inch (5 cm) strops can be used with an X pattern.
These models aren't wide enough to cover the razor's blade.As you slide your razor up and down the strop, you need to slide it sideways to cover the entire blade.The simplest way to move the blade is to push it away from you, and then bring it back.
Step 7: The razor should be given a quick rinse.
You don't want to soak your strop in water or shaving cream while stropping.All shaving cream should be out of the tap water by now.Remove excess water from the razor.
Step 8: Hold the strop taut by flipping it to the cloth side.
The leather side of the strop should not be used after a shave.This can cause metal chips to break off the blade.The strop can be damaged by this.
Step 9: The razor should be placed at the bottom of the strop.
The edge should be facing away from you.The edge of the razor rests against the strop if you hold it at an angle.
Step 10: The razor should be pushed away from you by the top of the strop.
Too much pressure will cause you to cut into the strop.Your razor won't glide well if you have cuts and nicks in the strop.
Step 11: The razor needs to be flipped at the top of the strop.
Roll the razor in your hand and away from you.The edge should face away from you, while the spine will point towards you.The razor needs to be held at a slight angle.
Step 12: The razor needs to be brought down the strop.
When using a similar motion, slide the razor back towards you, keeping the edge against the strop.This will remove any hairs from the edge and onto the cloth.About 10 more times, repeat the back and forth motion.