Thread: Strop condition?

I bought an Illinois 827 strop almost a year ago. I probably only used it a maximum of 100 times, but the leather is kind of frayed a bit. I'm kind of worried if I should purchase another strop or not. For a while, my razor was very dull while stropping and I'm thinking that is why my strop's leather is so frayed? The linen is fine and I know I'm using proper technique.

Does this sound normal or should I really purchase a different strop?

Thanks.

Well any Russian leather has that raised surface right from the start. A real high nap. I would expect some light particles (fuzz) come off a strop with a high raised nap, but not any large bits. I use Russian or a type of Russian and dont get any fraying like you state.

Sorry, I meant there is fraying along the sides.

And what is a nap?

Russian strops are not smooth like most leathers, that raised surface the velvety feel is what I call the nap. I love Russian type leather its what I cut my teeth on when I first started using straights. As far as fraying no its not a good thing if its busting apart at the edges.

One last thing The edges fraying should not compromise the condition of your edge. At least thats my opinion.

Cool beans, I'll keep it then. Thanks.