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