Thread: New here, Can I strop with an old belt?

I picked up an old Challenge Cutlery razor from a flea market. Just wondering if I can use an old belt to strop with. The razor is old, in sharp, but not dandy shape. I just want to see if this kind of shaving appeals to me, before I invest much $

I am also willing to field any beer questions the group might have, being a national level judge, and a bit of a lush.

Thanks for any hints/tips/go-to-hells/advice.

Cheers!

At the very least,I would send the razor to one of the honers in the Member Services section of the classifieds. They can put an edge on the razor to make it shave ready. If you are serious about trying straight razors,you should make sure the razor is truly sharp enough, so you can give it a fair chance.


Gary

Welcome to SRP
You can strop with an old belt but if it has any embedded particles in it your razor may then look like this

I wholeheartedly agree with Gary that at the very least you should do yourself the favor of sending it to someone who knows what they're doing to put a shave ready edge on it. It will likely not cost you all too much, but without it you won't be giving straight shaving a fair try.

Cheers and welcome to SRP!

Thanks Gary,

This is a very cheap razor. It doesn't like to slide into the normal "closed" position. It's sharp enough to be dangerous, I'd like to see if I could hone it enough to see if I like the shave. I really don't want to spend much $ on a $5 razor to see if I like the shave.

I understand peening and honing blades like scythes, just want to put a better edge on this critter, to see if I wish to persue the straight razor shave.

I loathe disposable blades and am really fond of shaving soaps. Just curious as to what one can use as a makeshift strop. Willing to test arm and leg hair, before graduating to facial hair.

Yes, I'm cheap. Also curious. And I cannot afford to throw many $ at something that might not fit my needs.

A good shave is a luxury, indeed. I'll grant you that. I'm just not flush with cash presently, but do wish to experiment with the razor.

Joe

Originally Posted by beercritic

Thanks Gary,

This is a very cheap razor. It doesn't like to slide into the normal "closed" position. It's sharp enough to be dangerous, I'd like to see if I could hone it enough to see if I like the shave. I really don't want to spend much $ on a $5 razor to see if I like the shave.

I understand peening and honing blades like scythes, just want to put a better edge on this critter, to see if I wish to persue the straight razor shave.

I loathe disposable blades and am really fond of shaving soaps. Just curious as to what one can use as a makeshift strop. Willing to test arm and leg hair, before graduating to facial hair.

Yes, I'm cheap. Also curious. And I cannot afford to throw many $ at something that might not fit my needs.

A good shave is a luxury, indeed. I'll grant you that. I'm just not flush with cash presently, but do wish to experiment with the razor.

Joe

My point was that although your razor may be sharp,it is most likely not close enough to shave ready, to be brought there by stropping only. As far as honing,the cost of a set of hones suitable for razors is much more than the $15-20 that a honer would charge you.

Gary

Originally Posted by onimaru55

Welcome to SRP
You can strop with an old belt but if it has any embedded particles in it your razor may then look like this

I have all kinds of belts from garage sales. Mostly "new." I assume I use the smoother side of the belt?

Thanks.

Originally Posted by HarleyFXST

My point was that although your razor may be sharp,it is most likely not close enough to shave ready, to be brought there by stropping only. As far as honing,the cost of a set of hones suitable for razors is much more than the $15-20 that a honer would charge you.

Gary

Thanks,

I suppose I'll see what I can do with what I have, and when I get more flush, I'll seek out a better "kit." I do appreciate the luxury, and will get there eventually.

I appreciate everyone's input.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by beercritic

I have all kinds of belts from garage sales. Mostly "new." I assume I use the smoother side of the belt?

Thanks.

S'ok ~ Yes the smooth side is the side to use & very lightly with the razor flat on it

I understand the wish to use what you have - and this may work for you.

However, if you have a leather merchant / wholesaler near you it could be worth a visit.

A suitable length of smooth leather can be bought and cut to size, cheaper than the cost of a belt. (They may even cut the length for you).

Poke a hole in the end and tie it to something. Done.

The advantage of this is getting a piece of leather of known quality.

All the best,
Michael