Thread: Howdy!

Old guy, new to the forum. First of all I would like to comment on the outstanding quality of the forum and site itself. I find all the posts and responses interesting and informative and without 'wasted words' as I have found on other forums of various topics; good job guys. I have not yet started the actual shaving and I am trying to be wise about getting into it. I have ordered the Dovo Best Quality half ground and am looking forward (cautiously), to it's first use (side burn only).

I have been doing a lot of reading and video viewing on this and other sites and am looking forward to becoming a member of the straight razor shavers club. My current infatuation started when I wondered "how do they sharpen a straight razor?" I like to keep a very sharp edge on all my knives so I was just wondering. One thing led to another and it's picking up steam now.

I have several questions but as this is the intro thread, just let me get to the one that is bugging me most: Is it tough to make your own strop? I've been into leather work since I was a cub scout and it just doesn't seem like it would be that tough. I must be missing something. Do you need special hide from a special cow or horse? Does it need to be treated or worked in a special way before you put your best razor to it? Are there Strop making trade secrets that I can scarcely ever hope to possess? It's funny how I don't have a problem spending for steel, stone or soap, but I just can't seem to be able to justify some of the prices I see for a strop.

Anyway....

Glad to be here, killer site.

Tim, West Jordan Utah

Hello and welcome to SRP! I'll let one of the other guys chime in on your strop question as I've never made one myself

Welcome to srp

Veg tanned cowhide. Works every time.

Welcome to Straight Razor Place!