Thread: Bad strop?

OK so I got a strop for Christmas. It is the 827. I looked at it and noticed it was a little bumpy but I didn't think that was out of the ordinary. Well ran my blade over it maybe 10 times and it looks way worse. I didn't put any pressure on it and...well... I don't think it is supposed to do this. It is rough as can be now.

Thoughts?



Close up:

That looks like the back side....

Originally Posted by Splashone

That looks like the back side....

I did a close up. That is the front...lol. The back has these ridges that are smooth but a bunch of cuts in there almost like a washboard.

Unfortunately you didn't get a bad strop, that's no strop at all. Looks like some scrap leather and a cheap stamp. Sorry friend, proof is what it did to your razor.

Try some 2000+ grit wet and dry or pumice on it to smooth it then break it in with some lather with a glass see if it gets any better
nothing to lose

Originally Posted by Ozarkedger

Unfortunately you didn't get a bad strop, that's no strop at all. Looks like some scrap leather and a cheap stamp. Sorry friend, proof is what it did to your razor.

Yea I stopped after 10. It still cuts hair but not like it did and it pulls on the face. Think I need to get it honed now?

Originally Posted by Substance

Try some 2000+ grit wet and dry or pumice on it to smooth it then break it in with some lather with a glass see if it gets any better
nothing to lose

I think I will try that.

The #827 is a Russian finish it looks rough as compared to say the #127 which is the same piece of leather only a smooth finish..

Whether that one is good or bad I really can't tell from the pics, it might be bad it might just need some rubbing,,

The ridged back of the strop is a symptom of the Russian finish, it allows for more flex with less finishing on the front of the strop..

Try rubbing it in with your palm if it doesn't work then request a new one from the Vendor,, I would not use any oils etc: the #827 should have plenty..

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Try rubbing it in with your palm if it doesn't work then request a new one from the Vendor,, I would not use any oils etc: the #827 should have plenty..

Yea I tried that for a few days now every time I went to the bathroom but still the same. I even tried to rub it with my palms and then a glass bottle. still no dice. Just had the wife contact the seller.

I did a little search on the strop, and found out that others have had the same experience as you.
Some used a sand paper progression to smooth the leather, some hand rubbing to smooth the surface over time.
According to one used the razor edge is unaffected by the bumps.

Not sure what the right course of action would be. If I had that strop, I'd first see how stropping affects the edge and shaves . If the edge is affected, I'd do hand rubbing over some time, and if needed lastly I'd sand the leather. Basically going from the least aggressive to the most aggressive approach.