Thread: How to use my strop

I'm just wondering Can someone explain to me what each side of my strop is for. I have a black leather strop. The back side has a light grit on it. The back strop is more like a mesh. I've read all about using the leather but when do I use the grit and the mesh sides? Thanks

The linen or mesh is used first, 10-20 laps, the smooth leather side next, 40-60 laps. What brand strop and razor? If it is a new "shave ready" razor, it shouldn't need stropping on your first shave. More info would help, and welcome to SRP.

the mesh is more abrasive, the leather is less abrasive, so as mentioned 20 on cloth and then 60 on leather. or 80 on leather as I do, and that grit stuff is strop paste im assuming, you use it when your razor starts getting dull and tugging but take some pics and post them so we can conferm....

Thanks. Glad to be on here. I have a Dovo tortoise shell 5/8 razor and a 3 inch Latigo leather strop and it says the back strop is matched webbing. They got delivered today. I've been using a Dovo shavette for about 6 shaves. I pretty much got my technique down after a few nicks and slices. I Used the new Dovo today and it was nice. Seemed much easier. Shave ready so I didn't strop it. But I've read so many different things about how often to strop. Some say every 7-10 shaves. Seems like most people on here like to do it before every shave. It's nice to have a forum on here to ask more experienced people before trying anything new. Thanks alot

every shave i break it up to 20 on linen after the shave to clean the blade then before the shave i do 60-80 on leather. the 3 inch was a good choice because you wont have to do an x stroke. rub that leather with the palm of your hand to oil it or grab some strop dressing.

Originally Posted by Donboblo

Thanks. Glad to be on here. I have a Dovo tortoise shell 5/8 razor and a 3 inch Latigo leather strop and it says the back strop is matched webbing. They got delivered today. I've been using a Dovo shavette for about 6 shaves. I pretty much got my technique down after a few nicks and slices. I Used the new Dovo today and it was nice. Seemed much easier. Shave ready so I didn't strop it. But I've read so many different things about how often to strop. Some say every 7-10 shaves. Seems like most people on here like to do it before every shave. It's nice to have a forum on here to ask more experienced people before trying anything new. Thanks alot

Sounds like some nice gear, a good idea I picked up here is to get a blunt butter knife and practice stropping with that, flipping it over. Go nice and slow while learning, spine and edge of razor touching strop with weight of blade only.

Originally Posted by Donboblo

I'm just wondering Can someone explain to me what each side of my strop is for. I have a black leather strop. The back side has a light grit on it. The back strop is more like a mesh. I've read all about using the leather but when do I use the grit and the mesh sides? Thanks

Look under "The beginners guide to straight shaving" and you'll probably find the answers to all your questions. It is on the left side of the homepage under "Helpful Links".

. I've been using a Dovo shavette for about 6 shaves. I pretty much got my technique down after a few nicks and slices[/COLOR]." oh ye of so few shaves ,, you,ll get your technique down in another few lifetimes . this is a never ending learning curve , and as others put it , a never ending rabbit hole good luck and keep it up tc

Welcome aboard these guys Know their stuff...

Originally Posted by admvalentine

every shave i break it up to 20 on linen after the shave to clean the blade then before the shave i do 60-80 on leather. the 3 inch was a good choice because you wont have to do an x stroke. rub that leather with the palm of your hand to oil it or grab some strop dressing.

Quote all...i do the same thing.
Someone have honed your razor? Because when you buy a new dovo the blade need few passages on polish stone. Is shave ready but not so comfortable.