Thread: My new strop...

Someone posted pretty much the same thing a few posts down, but I have the same question about my strop. Do I need to condition it or anything before use?

http://www.classicshaving.com/catalo...944/817068.htm

Also, I keep hearing that the strop is suppose to be smooth even to the point of having a gloss. Mine is actually somewhat corse, not smooth at all.. its this normal for a new strop? The backside is smooth leather, but with ribs down the back, the top is almost like suede. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

-Billy

Most strops are smooth or nearly so. this is the Illinois "Russian" strop which often has a texture like terrycloth. I have used them as a preliminary step before final stropping on a smooth strop.

I feel they are a fairly specilized strop and most buyers are not aware they will be rough. Sadly none of the vendors ever mention this.


If reasonably smooth. meaning a consistantly even, although somewhat textured surface it should still work fine.

Tony

Tony,

Thank you for the reply, I feel much much better knowing that. Unfortunatly, after stropping my razor and attempting to shave with it, I realised my razor isn't exactly shave ready. I decided to try the little hair test I hear people refer to, and it wouldn't even cut the hair... at all. Im not sure if its my stropping technic or maybe my strop... More than likely my technic... I found myself appling what I felt was "To much" pressure. Can this ruin the edge? Or Maybe I should just keep trying to strop my blade until I find the desired results?

-Billy

Don't get frustrated yet. Straight razor is a strange beast. If the razor is new, most likely it is not shave ready. Consider sending it to someone for establishing a proper bevel. What razor you have?

As for the strop, it will develop glossy finish in time. Daily hand rub will be sufficient for some time...

Nenad

oh, and I can suggest you get Lynn's CD on straight razors. It should be indispensable tool for beginners, and also for more experienced too...

Nenad,

The Razor I purchased is:

http://www.classicshaving.com/catalo...013/564217.htm


Nothing real fancy, but I figure its enough to do the job for now. I dont expect to be able to get fantastic results, and I half anticipate to lose half of my face in the process, but I'm sort of bull headed and I already got my mind set on using a straight razor lol... and so it begins =P

Do you have any suggestions on sending it off to get a proper bevel established? I think I read something about people here that do honing?

Also, a friend told me to treat my strop with Mineral oil, so I put on a health coat the day I bought it and let it sit over night. I've been assured by a few people this will not hurt it, but I haven't gotten any type of responses as to wether or not his was a good idea or not... Maybe you have some input on that? As far as hand rubbing the strop... this is done by sort of "Kneeding" the strop with the palm of your hand? Thanks in advance.

-Billy

It is unlikely that that razor is shave ready. The bevel should be good, but the edge needs refining. New razors tend to be close, but not quite there.

I used mink oils to condition my strops. The hand rubbing is done by simply holding the strop taut and rubbing your hand along the length.

I'll be happy to bring your razor up to snuff gratis if you like. PM me if you're interested.

X