Thread: New Strop Question

For the most part you shouldn't need strop dressing at all. At least not for a while.
Just get a strop and use it; it will break in with regular use and palm stropping before every use.

Hello, KW:

Which strop would serve you better? Both would. I have the English Bridal and it's as sweet as a strop can get. On the other hand, if I were in your shoes and just starting out, I would choose the Latigo version. From here to where you master your stropping is a long road. Beginners tend to put a few nicks and cuts in their strop. Also, we must remember the money. Don't forget, the parts on these strops can be replaced. Then again, if you want the English Bridal, grab it.

I agree with my friend deighaingeal that the only dressing you need on your new strop here is the oils from your hand — before washing, that is. Give your strop a daily rubdown with the palms of your hand and use it. You'll be just fine.

Regards,

Obie

I echo what Obie has stated - no dressing and get a good strop, but one that you won't cry over if you nick it while learning. For the English Bridle Leather strop, it isn't just the money, it is also the beauty of the strop that would sadden me if I nicked it.

I agree with Obie, either would work. The SRD strops are modular so if you nick the leather you can replace it relatively cheaply so it's not such an issue getting the pricier strop I'd that's the one you really like.

I have the latigo strop and it didn't need conditioning. New strops generally don't, all you really need to do is rub them with your hand each day and that'll keep them in good nick.

I have many strops, including SRD's Premium 1, and the long English Bridle. I never use anything on them. The only thing I ever do, is rub them down with the palm of my hand. The natural oils in your skin are enough. Just make sure your hands aren't freshly washed...

P.S. You can practice stropping on an old belt or even an old seat belt from a car.

All strops do the same thing the same as all quality razors. It's a matter of the size and the feel the different types exhibit and what you like and the size of your billfold too.

I decided to go with the STRAIGHT RAZOR DESIGNS 3" PREMIUM IV ENGLISH BRIDLE STROP. You guys talked me into it lol and it does look really nice. Also I'm not that much of a beginner. I have had 2 strops already. The first of course I nicked a few times (an Illinois Strop don't remember the number), but only because of some bad advice I received. My second strop was a ruprazor Filly and I have not nicked it once and I think I finally got my stropping technique down using this strop so I am investing in a better strop. Thank you all for the advice and tips. I will be sure to hand rub my strop when I get.

KWood34

I find I save a lot of money by simply buying the best, first. I don't shop for bargains, I just define what I need and buy the best. I never buy twice!

Originally Posted by KerryWood34

I decided to go with the STRAIGHT RAZOR DESIGNS 3" PREMIUM IV ENGLISH BRIDLE STROP. You guys talked me into it lol
KWood34

Is that what we did?

in my experience palm stropping gives the best result. I stop using conditioner