Originally Posted by
nun2sharp
The grooves are part of the russian tanning process, strop on the smooth side. Strop on linen/canvas side first 25-30 strokes, be careful with your technique keep the blade flat, move the razor in the direction of the spine.Be sure to move the razor diagonally along the strop to ensure the entire blade is stropped, creating the beloved X pattern. Then do the same on the front of the leather(smooth side) 30-50 strokes. Before every shave.:gl:
BE SURE TO ROLL THE RAZOR OVER ON THE SPINE AND NOT THE EDGE!