Newbie question: When stropping should I always use the linen/cotton first or can I skip that step sometimes. I've been stropping before & after each shave.
Those who study the history of SR shaving know that the linen was used primarily by barbers who wanted to clean residual "gunk" from the edge of the last client. These were not sterile conditions and skin infections were common. It was viewed as a cleaning step before leather. It has never been proven to sharpen the blade like leather without a paste applied. I think the linen is optional for those of us who do not shave other people. I rarely use linen now and have never noticed any difference from going straight to leather. However, if the linen makes you feel better then I don't think it does any harm provided you are light and loose in your technique.
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I don't know that I agree. When honing with a Coti the linen sure does add to the sharpness of the edge.
I like doing research, where can I find information about Sterilization and linen use?Those who study the history of SR shaving know that the linen was used primarily by barbers who wanted to clean residual "gunk" from the edge of the last client. These were not sterile conditions and skin infections were common. It was viewed as a cleaning step before leather. It has never been proven to sharpen the blade like leather without a paste applied. I think the linen is optional for those of us who do not shave other people. I rarely use linen now and have never noticed any difference from going straight to leather. However, if the linen makes you feel better then I don't think it does any harm provided you are light and loose in your technique.
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