Thread: Strop Issues

I've been trying to examine all the parts of my straight experience, the lather, the skin stretch, hair growth direction, going slow, angle, all of that. I then noticed that as I draw my straight across the strop gaps appear. At first I thought it was my unsteady hand. So I slowed it down and it is still there!

Could this be part of my sharpness problem? Its a new Herold Solingen strop. Could I heat it up to relax the leather? Is there a softening agent that I should be using? I do draw the blade in an X pattern, but I still see the gap.

Let me know if any of you guys have an idea. Thanks.

Rolling a thick jar or bottle with hot water in it over the strop can help flatten it.

I have the same one, is it really soft light tan leather? I haven't had any trouble with mine. I'm not sure what you mean by Gaps, Ray seems to know, try his idea, sounds good to me..I know Neetsfoot oil can be applied, and Classic Shaving has strop dressing, However, Tony Miller, Strop guy , say's it's not good to do...It's recommended that you rub your strop with the palm of you hand daily, I'm thiking the rubbing and the oils in your skin do the conditioning....Rich

I think he means areas of the strop that appear to be unused, and areas that appear to be used. My strop does this, too. I don't think it's really anything to be concerned about, though.

I'll try the hot water and a jar...I just want to try to eliminate any possible sources of error in my shave routine!! Thanks.

My strop did that and I rolled it with an empty wine bottle that I'd removed the label and cleaned. It took a while, but I didn't have it filled with hot water. I also rubbed the strop with my palm and still do that every day. Like I said, it took days, maybe a week to flatten my strop. It still stropped okay because I use the x-pattern. Now that it is flat, it strops great.

I'm not sure what you mean by gaps. Is there any way to get and post a picture of this?

The advice about rubbing it with a bottle or jar is good but it works best after you have applied some conditioner. I'm partial to Lexol products (cleaner and conditioner) which can be obtained cheaply at most auto parts stores. While neatsfoot or mink oil work as well it's easier with them to get a little more than you really need on the strop.

Originally Posted by AusTexShaver

I'm not sure what you mean by gaps.

There is a gap between my strop and my razor as I'm pulling it across the strop. It's intermittent as I go, for a 6" section it hits perfectly, but for the rest....not so good. I'm going to try the hot bottle tonight and see if I can get a decent shave! These dang neck whiskers are fighting back!

Originally Posted by Tonsor

My strop did that and I rolled it with an empty wine bottle that I'd removed the label and cleaned. It took a while, but I didn't have it filled with hot water. I also rubbed the strop with my palm and still do that every day. Like I said, it took days, maybe a week to flatten my strop. It still stropped okay because I use the x-pattern. Now that it is flat, it strops great.

+1, There ya go...

Originally Posted by FarNorthAK

There is a gap between my strop and my razor as I'm pulling it across the strop. It's intermittent as I go, for a 6" section it hits perfectly, but for the rest....not so good. I'm going to try the hot bottle tonight and see if I can get a decent shave! These dang neck whiskers are fighting back!

I see now, When you strop, your razor hits a spot on the strop and it gives you different feedback, or feels like it's skipping. If the strop looks the same and feels the same, Is it your technique? Have you slowed down and seen what kind of feedback you get from the razor. Does the strop feel different in those areas when you rub your hand over it? I think rubbing the hell out of it with your hand will do the trick, try that before you go soaking it down with conditioners. Pics would be nice...Rich