Thread: New razor, and strop question...

I've bought a straight razor from straight razor designs, which is supposed to be ready to use. However, it does have oil on it. What should I do prior to shaving with it? Do I still need to strop it before use?
TIA!

I would not strop it before the first shave, since it will come stropped. Wipe the oil off carefully with tissues and rinse the blade with hot water. You can also wipe it with alcohol to remove the oil if you like. Good luck!

Another thing, what is the best way to clean the leather strop? It has accumulated some "dirt" (cat hair and some sticky something).

Wipe it down with a damp (not wet) cloth and then let it dry. Avoid cleaners that will strip the oils from the leather - plain water should work fine. Rub the surface with your palm before use to replenish the oils and warm the surface up. And find a storage place where cat hairs and sticky stuff won't get on it. The edge of a razor is very delicate and you want to keep the surface of the strop pristine.

Originally Posted by Neunerball

Another thing, what is the best way to clean the leather strop? It has accumulated some "dirt" (cat hair and some sticky something).

Originally Posted by sqzbxr

...The edge of a razor is very delicate and you want to keep the surface of the strop pristine...

That was my expectation, just wasn't sure on how to clean it properly. In addition, I will find a proper place for the strop after cleaning it.

I have used Lexol leather cleaner with success.

I have found that saddle soap works for cleaning leather strops as well.

Bob

Sticky stuff and cat hair causes me to recall a convo with the fiance after moving in with her and finding a sticky spray pattern on the wall where I wanted to hang my strops. Luckily she has a separate bathroom now. Regardless, hair spray is verboten in the shave den. If there's no other option you could hang a towel over them or use a strop cover.

Originally Posted by MW76

....Regardless, hair spray is verboten in the shave den....

LOL Good that my native language is German. Therefore, I know what Verboten means.

I was thinking of using 1907 Strop Dressing after I've cleaned the strop.

Originally Posted by MW76

...If there's no other option you could hang a towel over them or use a strop cover...

Where would I get a strop cover in the USA?