No, this is not a new installment of The Frisky Feminist. While stropping may sound slightly licentious, it is actually one of the most boring, useful things ever.
Stropping is the act of re-edging a shaving razor so that it can be used for a longer period of time. Straight razors have traditionally been stropped, but there has been a relatively recent movement to strop disposable razors as well.
During an internet rabbit hole session, I ran across this video. This man, Terry, is a genius. I have since watched videos for other methods that suggest using jeans to strop, but I like the simplicity of Terry’s technique. The concept is that you safely re-edge the blades of a disposable razor by running it in the opposite direction along your forearm about ten times. Do this when you feel that the blades have started to lose their edge, usually every few weeks.
I already stretched my razors to the limit because, let’s face it, those tiny bastards are expensive. Using Terry’s method, my current razor has lasted 18 months and counting! I shave my bikini line and underarms every day. Every. Day. Full disclosure: my legs rarely get the de-fuzzing treatment because I am extremely lazy, but when I do shave them it’s with my Methuselah razor.
What about the moisture strips? Don’t they get dried out? Got that covered! If you’re like me, you have several tubes of conditioner that come with hair coloring kits cluttering up your shower. They are very thick so the conditioner doesn’t run off right away and are great for revitalizing the moisture strips. Any ultra-thick conditioner will work though. Plop a generous amount over the strips (avoiding the blades), lay the razor face up horizontally, by the next morning all the conditioner should be soaked up, and you are good to go!
Have any of you tried this already? Have you found it to be as effective as I have?
21 replies on “We Try It! Stropping Good Fun”
Well done. :) Seems win-win to me, they are so freakishly expensive, anything to extend the life of a razor is a good thing in my books.
This is one of the greatest tips I’ve ever been given.
I am very excited to try this. Razor cartridges are so expensive and I get ingrown hairs like nobody’s business when I use a dull razor. This could revolutionize my person care budget!
So I tried this last night and it worked beautifully. My razor was beginning tug and feel dull and now it’s like new. I cannot thank you enough for posting this!
Heh? So.. not shaving but pushing?  I think I’m  going to need the video.
Yes … push. You don’t want to shave your arm!
That’s what I thought!
Another plus to this is that running the razor the “wrong” way clears out all the little hairs stuck in it. I’ve been doing this since I saw that same video, and my blades last FOREVER.
That’s very true. It also helps to make for a smoother shave, thanks for pointing that out!
I. . . might need to try this.
I had no idea! The conditioner trick is an excellent idea, too. I’m going to go try this right now.
Conditioner is the best shaving lotion I’ve ever used. Hell of a lot cheaper, too.
I always just use whatever soap I have on hand … but I’m going to try conditioner tomorrow!
I’ve heard about this, but want to add that about 6 months after my boyfriend started using a safety razor, I decided to give it a try. They are great, super sharp and the blades are SO much less expensive than the traditional women’s razor. There is a tiny bit of a learning curve, they’re sharp enough that you really don’t need any pressure otherwise you run the risk of nicks but after a few goes I’m completely converted.
Interesting… I’ve never heard of using that type of razor for anything other than facial hair, but I guess it was probably the only way to shave legs at one point!
I didn’t know you could do this! I will be trying this next time I shave…which will probably be a while…
I am a little disappointed that it wasn’t a dirty term though.
Heh … Sorry for being misleading. :)
I probably should not admit this, but my legs look like I’ve never shaved. It’s not cute. My excuse is that it is winter and I need the extra layer for warmth. Yeah.
I familiar with this particular look, yes. That’s when I break out the Veet. Requires less patience than the razor.
trying this instantly! Â my new year’s resolution was to buy less/buy local/buy environmentally friendly, and I came up short of ideas on razors. Â this is perfect, thank you!
Yes! I forgot to mention the environmental benefit … Thank you for bringing it up!