Thread: Strop Question from a beginner...

I have a hanging strop that has a leather component and a linen component. What is the difference between the two materials in relation to my blade, and which one should I be using more?

Currently I have been alternating between them with about 25 strokes each before shaving and 10 more on the linen after...

The linen side, or any other secondary strop, cleans, and heats up the edge making it easier for the leather to do its re-aligning of the edge. I do 20 on my webbed fabric and 40 or 50 on my English Bridle leather.

Using a leather strop before shaving each time is considered a mandatory practice. The fabric is more optional. Some use it prior to the leather and some don't use it at all and some use other materials.

So far I only use the linen after shaving, maybe 20 strokes & then 30ish on the leather. Then just 20-30 on the leather before a shave.

+1 to Skippy's reply. Linen cleans and "warms up" the blade's edge, while the leather re-aligns the edge.
Good stropping technique and usage is imperative and essential to a well-maintained edge. I strop 30-linen/60-leather before each shave, and 10-linen/30 leather after each shave. I find that it minimizes the need for honing to about once per 18 months. YMMV depending on other variables, but if your technique is good, I really don't think one can over-strop a razor. But then again, "My name is mapleleafalumnus and I have a stropping addiction."

You have been given some good advice already so I will just throw in I do do about 15 linen then 15 leather before a shave and 10 linen and 10 leather after a shave.

So as you can see everyone is a little bit different you just got to find what works for you.

Originally Posted by mapleleafalumnus

"My name is mapleleafalumnus and I have a stropping addiction."

The first step towards recovery is admitting that you have a problem!

Thanks for all of the advice. I will use the leather more than 50% of the time based on the recommendations here.

Linen before leather. I do an equal amount on each. When coming off the hone to shave, leather only. Once the razor has been shaved with, leather only following the shave to clean the edge of micro gunk the tissue wipe might miss. Other than following the honing and after the shave I always use linen/leather in that order. This is rule # 62 in Painless Jimmy's "how to shave MY way".

I'm probably in the minority here and do only 10-ish laps on the linen after I've just shaved with the razor. This gives me some reassurance that my razor has thoroughly been dried before storing it away.

I do 30 linen/60 leather before a shave. Immediately after shaving, I lay a dry hand towel over my open palm and strop 15 laps on that to clean and dry the edge and leave the razor open for a while to make sure the insides of the scales are thoroughly dry. Then I strop 15 linen/30 leather, oil the blade and put 'er away.

I've read in other posts around the forum that you get maximum benefit to the edge at 60 laps on leather, and that anything beyond that is just exercising your arm.