Always flip the razor over the spine and not over the cutting edge.

How to sharpen a straight razor without a strop. Lay your straight razor on the stone. Hold the blade by pinching it with the. Pull the strop taut by holding the free end in one hand.

In the other hand, hold the blade or razor and place it flat against the leather strop so that the spine or back of the blade. Make sure the razor is on the side. If you choose a hanging strop, ensure you attach it securely to a wall or any sturdy surface.

First of all, lay the razor on the stone with the blade facing away from you. Placing electrical tape around the blade’s spin may help prevent scraping. You’re going to start with the canvas side of the strop, not the leather.

Push the blade, cutting edge side first up the stone. Place your whetstone on a completely flat and even surface. Set the razor with its edge facing your direction.

The motion resembles how your turn a key. This will keep the razor’s edge perfectly aligned and prevent it from becoming damaged. Then, gently push it forward without applying any pressure.

For a straight razor, we would recommend a #4000 and #8000 grit honing stone to bring a normal razor back up shave ready. How to sharpen straight razor without strop? Stropping also helps to remove.