Thread: Stropping problems, linen sharper than leather...

Ok, I just re-honed and did what I would consider a superb job for my skill level. Then I did about 40 laps on the linen, and finished it off with 60 laps on a different leather strop I have. Its a narrower one and I would consider it of lower quality than my 127, but it has never been treated or used. I havent shaved with it yet, but wow the thing glistens like it never has, and the hairs on my arm fall off with ease. I'm looking forward to my next shave...perhaps ATG is in my near future!

Also, I think I have the early signs of RAD!! I just picked up a vintage TI off ebay that looks like its in good shape, just needs some steel wool, a good bevel and some TLC. A bit expensive, but I just couldn't help myself, plus I really want a TI for some reason...

I personally suspect the lack of a finishing stone, but thats just me. Could be your strop.

Theres no sand in our homes in the desert..... We do have vaccum cleaners.

Yeah, you need to get some HAD.

Originally Posted by Leighton

I personally suspect the lack of a finishing stone, but thats just me. Could be your strop.

Theres no sand in our homes in the desert..... We do have vaccum cleaners.

Yeah, you need to get some HAD.

I'm pretty sure its not the lack of a finishing stone, for the simple reason that my razor shaves decent off the linen but gets destroyed by the leather. I'm definitely not arguing against a finishing stone, in fact, I think I might pick me up a coticule or perhaps a shapton 16k... and to think, I started out on this journey with the ambitions of saving money over the fusions...pff, so much for that

What do you mean get some HAD?

Hone addiction disorder. Its right after RAD.

Hmm....get a Tony Miller strop would be my next suggestion. Sounds like a bad strop, contact the seller and try to get a replacement.

I am looking into those Tony Miller strops, they look terrific and I've heard only good things about them, unfortunately he's currently on hiatus. My next investments are a new strop, a finishing stone, and perhaps a dia-sharp 1200 for bevel setting all the ebay blades I start acquiring... oh damn, HAD and RAD, I forsee this hobby becoming expensive...

Don't forget the RRAD. Razor restoration addiction disorder. That is actually pretty cheap comparatively. Only requires $20 worth of sandpaper, $10 polishing compound, old t-shirt and hours and hours of time. Personally, I would stay away from ebay blades. Honestly, from personal experience, they suck up way more time than you think. Way more time. Unless your buying ones for $50+ with zero rust and no pits... to get them to an aesthetically pleasing condition requires many man hours. Many many man-hours.... Yeah, best a line you and other people do not cross lightly. RRAD is the penultimate disorder...

Originally Posted by pdlson

I'm pretty sure its not the lack of a finishing stone, for the simple reason that my razor shaves decent off the linen but gets destroyed by the leather. I'm definitely not arguing against a finishing stone, in fact, I think I might pick me up a coticule or perhaps a shapton 16k... and to think, I started out on this journey with the ambitions of saving money over the fusions...pff, so much for that

Ignore the calls for HAD. You can get good shaves off the strop, you don't need $$$ finishing stones. Believe me, I've got 'em and don't use them anymore. OTOH I've developed a minor case of RSAD (Razor Strop Acquisition Disorder)....


It sounds like you've got the same quirk as I do. Some leather strops kill my edges very quickly. For me it seems to be correlated with the level of draw - leather strops with a lot of draw like latigo and heavily dressed cowhide (which sounds like describes your Illinois 127) tend to kill the edge, but leather strops with very little draw like horsehide or cordovan will take that linen edge and make it even sharper and smoother.

You might want to invest in a good horsehide strop. You'll find that the horsehide/linen combination was one of the most popular combinations back in the day and are therefore pretty common on ebay. Tony Miller makes some beautiful ones as well, and I can't recommend them enough. My favorite Miller strop is actually a paddle strop with horsehide on one side and canvas on the other.

As usual, I agree with MParker. It took some time for me to learn just how delicate a strop should be treating an edge.

I actually use the traditional method of applying EVVO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) to my strops to keep them supple and smooth, cutting back on the "draw" appropriately.

I agree with mparker, too. The type of leather definitely has a telling effect. Some latigos seem to dull the edge, some enhance it like you would expect. The suede-type ordinary cowhide always seems to perform very well for me. You just have to lightly abrade the (untreated) surface with very fine (say 600 grit) wet and dry paper to raise a fine knap.

If your other strop works, then use it! No need for another one - unless you really want to treat yourself, of course!

Kees idea sounds likely too - you can''t tell how much fine grit is blowing about in the air, but try and develop a roll of black and white film and hang it up to dry in an unprotected environment and you will know all about dust contamination! If your strop was sticky after dressing and left so that it could have dust settle on it...

Regards,
Neil.