The old Wobbling Strop Method

[luvmysuper]

My apoligies up front for asking what is probably a stupid question for most of you guys, but I really want to get this right before I physically do anything and have to go back and get something fixed due to bad process. My intent is to buy an artisan from Tony Miller when he opens back up in mid November.

I note from Joels interactive guide that he is using a strop attached to the wall and pulling it straight out for stropping. I have two questions;

1. Is the standard strop handle or the D-Ring type made by Tony Miller prefferred for this? It seems that you could get a lot more tension (thus a more level surface) with a D ring as opposed to the handle, but I could be wrong.

2. If straight and level is the desired effect, why not just lay it on a flat surface like a table? It seems more stable, less likely to wobble side to side, and you wouldn't have to sink a carriage bolt into your wall to maintain the anchor point against the pull you would do on the strop with the handle or D Ring.

Thanks in advance for the great answers I know I'll get here, and again, apologies if they seem to be dumb questions.

 

[holiday]

I tried laying the strop on a table thinking it would be easier to keep the strop flat. It just felt really awkward, the table got in the way of my hand. It was also hard to keep the strop still. I never tried again! It feels more natural having the strop hanging, plus I like to strop with my lather on. So its more practical for me to have it in the bathroom.
I just have a piece of string tied to the the toothbrush hodler, which in turn is attached to a screw in the wall. I clip my stop to this. Not great, but it works for now.

 

[leighton]

The D-ring v. handle debate is simply personal preference. I like the handles. I can do everything I can do with the D-rings with the handles. I just stick my fingers in the gap. But my fingers are not fat either... Anyway, if you can't fit your fingers through the gap, then yes, the D-ring would allow you more tension.

Is tension better? Not necessarily. Again, personal preference IMHO.

Yes, if you lay it down on a table, its easier to learn on. But a hanging strop is my preference because its convenient, it works, its worked for centuries, etc.

The strop probably needs to have some flex in it to really work, imho.

 

[luvmysuper]

Thanks for both of those replies, it is the perspective I needed.
I can see the table getting in the way of a smooth straight motion, and thus the need to attach it.
I also appreciate the input on the handle vs d Ring, and I believe the D Ring would be the right choice for me.
Now it's just a matter of impatiently waiting for Tony to re-open in Mid November.

 

[SavantStrike]

Thanks for both of those replies, it is the perspective I needed.
I can see the table getting in the way of a smooth straight motion, and thus the need to attach it.
I also appreciate the input on the handle vs d Ring, and I believe the D Ring would be the right choice for me.
Now it's just a matter of impatiently waiting for Tony to re-open in Mid November.

The strop will TOTALLY be worth the wait. They are everything people say they are and more.

 

[richmondesi]

I like the handle, like Leighton, and I use it similarly. I have my hand grabbing the handle with my thumb in the gap to assist with pulling it taught. I also have the d-rings and prefer the handles because it's more comfortable for me. All personal preference, and you will be happy I'm sure with your decision

 

[holiday]

Just a word of warning from my own clumsy experience. I put a nasty collection of nicks in my strop while I was getting to grips with the technique. Knowing what I know now I would put the Tony Miller aside until I had mastered it. Maybe get a Phiily that everyone talks about for now?
I'd hate to see an awesome strop get savaged, its easy done.

 

[richmondesi]

Holiday makes a good point. Phil, make sure to get the practice strop. It's well worth the $7 or whatever it is. You will nick your strop if you're just learning... not just you, everybody.

 

[luvmysuper]

Thanks for the input, a practice strop makes sense and is a good value for the dollar as a means of protecting an investment.

 

[Alacrity59]

Just a word of warning from my own clumsy experience. I put a nasty collection of nicks in my strop while I was getting to grips with the technique. Knowing what I know now I would put the Tony Miller aside until I had mastered it. Maybe get a Phiily that everyone talks about for now?
I'd hate to see an awesome strop get savaged, its easy done.

Or what I did . . . get a vintage straight with a nick in it . . . by the time you hone this out you pretty much have the stroke ingrained for life.

Another vote for a Tony Miller strop too.

 

[leighton]

Holiday makes a good point. Phil, make sure to get the practice strop. It's well worth the $7 or whatever it is. You will nick your strop if you're just learning... not just you, everybody.

Yup. I would get the practice strop for myself even though I don't need it. Never know when that $7 piece of leather will come in handy. I keep my apprentice strop around for that exact reason.

 

[luvmysuper]

20 bucks for a Filly and it's on the way as we speak.

Thanks for all the great advice, I truly appreciate the perspective.