Thread: Spine scratching strop

Hi folks,

I got a new Ralf Aust in the mail yesterday from SRD. After shaving with it this morning, I stropped, and the edge of the spine at the toe end is so sharp that it scratched my strop. Should I lightly sand the edge with some fine sandpaper so that it isn't quite as sharp, or do you recommend something else? I know I wasn't scratching the strop with the shaving edge, as I've never had this happen with any other razors and I could see small flecks of leather on the spine edge of the blade.

Also, do I need to sand the scratches out of my strop? They aren't particularly deep.

Thanks!

It would not hurt to lightly sand (3000 grit) the end of the spine where the hone surface meets the end. Sometimes honing may cause a very crisp grind to do that. Not unusual and thanks for bringing the problem here where others may learn from it also.

Another spot to check is the shoulder at the heel. Some may get very sharp after a few honings or may even start out that way. That can shred the near side of a strop in a hurry.
~Richard

Originally Posted by Geezer

It would not hurt to lightly sand (3000 grit) the end of the spine where the hone surface meets the end. Sometimes honing may cause a very crisp grind to do that. Not unusual and thanks for bringing the problem here where others may learn from it also.

~Richard

^^^^ What Richard said

Just a light touch with high grit sandpaper and you should be good to go

I would try just a little hand rubbing with the heel of your hand on the strop first before getting drastic

Geezer said it perfectly so I only can point out the obvious...
The flecks of leather on the spine will flag for you the location where you may need to sand. I say may because some leathers will leave residue on a perfectly smooth spine.

Thanks for the feedback! I'll have to go buy some 3000 grit; the finest I have is 1500.

I have a couple of razors with spinework that has sharp edges that I have to tape before I strop. This might be an alternative to sanding a new razor if that makes you uncomfortable.

Pete <:-}

Originally Posted by Moonshae

Thanks for the feedback! I'll have to go buy some 3000 grit; the finest I have is 1500.

Assuming that there isn't gold wash or any special finish, 1500 is not going to hurt anything IMO.

No gold wash or anything on the edges. I used 2000, since that was the finest I could find. took a little while, but got it softened to the point that it no longer scratches the strop.

Is it a RA with a sculpted spine perhaps????

Originally Posted by Michael70

Is it a RA with a sculpted spine perhaps????

I wondered that too as I have one of those on order.