Thread: Another Strop Question

So, I've been sitting here with my still-not-shaveready razor, practicing my stropping technique. Going very slowly, paying as close attention as I can, I notice something...the leather on my hanging strop seems to be pretty concave, so when I lay my razor flat, it is only being touched by the edges of the leather. I don't put any pressure on the blade, and I have the strop pulled pretty taut (to the point I'm starting to worry about the strength of this particular screw) and it makes no difference.

So...what's the deal? Is it just a cheap strop that needs replacement? Do they all work like this, so that the straightening of the blade only happens on the very edge of the leather? Am I doing something wrong (not enough pressure on the blade, not enough pull on the leather, etc.)? Or, am I just being too meticulous...again?

The more experiences will probably have better advice, but it sounds to me like you should get some strop conditioner/dressing and a clean glass bottle, rub it down with your hand, some conditioner, and then roll the bottle over it. This two or three times should flatten it out a bit. It's also a cheaper way to start than a brand new strop.

I filled a mason jar with hot water.

I used mink oil to condition.

Then I'd roll the strop to convex it a little if I were you.

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