when does a strop become just a strip...

Of leather? I'm sure this question had been answered plenty of times before, but I just don't know. I'm a newb and have been cautiously stropping for two Weeks. I have nicked the edges of both ends of the strop. How bad is bad enough?

I've used the same strop for 3 years, nicked the crap out of it when I first started, and got plenty of junk residue over the years. Still refines my edge profile just like it did the day I bought it. Maybe a little degradation over time and gotten slick - not having the same draw/pull as when I first bought it, but that could be resolved with a little leather conditioner and neatsfoot oil.

That being said, I also paid a decent dollar for it when I bought it from Tony Miller. He uses only the finest leather, and hand-crafts everything he sells. He's one of the best in the business for a reason, so don't be surprised when you're paying a little more for that quality. As with SO MANY aspects of wet shaving, you get what you pay for.

Seeing as how you're in Chicagoland, hit me up with a PM and maybe we can hook-up and take a look at you're stop and see how far gone it is. I doubt you've done too much damage, but I also don't know what kind. That information would help. Dimensions, brand, type of leather, etc.

Stop nicking your strop! It is not common and not acceptable. Slow down, and get the razor turning over with the correct timing. :D

Buff out the problem areas and the strop should be just fine, but, you should fix the root of the problem first.

Seems like nerves got the best of me for a while. I had this sort of hiccup at the end of the stroke that, brought the blade backward by a couple of mm. I think I have it remedied. tight, level strop, light pressure. I think I got it now. Just making sure I don't need to junk a expensive piece of leather.

Thanks