| Basic Rules for Straight Razor Stropping | | | | sharpening stroke when you reach the bottom of the |
| It is important to check your straight razor first if it is | | | | leather. Keep the razor's back in constant contact with |
| sharp before wet shaving. | | | | the strop. Repeat the same gesture when you finish |
| :: Sharpen your straight razor gently, without hitting it or | | | | the counterstroke at the high end of the strop. Don't let |
| pressing it against the strop. The razor's own weight | | | | the back of the razor leave the leather, or pivot the |
| should be enough to achieve proper sharpening. Don't | | | | razor on its edge. |
| hit your razor on the strop or press it against it. You | | | | :: Keep the leather of your strop clean. Pass the palm |
| could cause it to break. | | | | of your hand over the leather before each sharpening |
| :: Use the entire surface of the strop. Move the razor | | | | session to wipe off dust or dirt. |
| skewed, from top to bottom and bottom to top. | | | | :: Strop your razor for the first time only after it has |
| :: Keep your razor flat on the leather of the strop while | | | | been used several times. Dry your razor well after |
| sharpening. Both the back and edge should lay flat on | | | | each use if it is made of carbon steel. A carbon steel |
| it. Don't lay only the edge or part of the blade on the | | | | razor will rust if not stored dry. |
| strop. | | | | Stropping is used in the olden days but it is still vital |
| :: Pivot the razor on its back at the end of your | | | | today. |