Linin types

I've only seen up close 1 linin strop (mine) but have so questions about how they are made and how they work.

Are they made with the same weave? Mine is a ribbed weave that looks like cordaroy but is hard. The first timeI stroped on it I could feel the hard fast vibration, hear it as well. This can't be good for the edge. I've sence than used a diaganal stroke to avoid the zipper effect.

It seems that as the blade bounced down the ridges it would bend and break off the edge you build so carefully on the hone.

Any insight in this area would be helpfull on my next "Real" strop.

I think you will find opinions on linen vary widely.....just as on everything else involved with honing and stropping.

Illinois Strops used a fairly smooth weave, but hard as Masonite linen material, Jemico uses one softer and thinner than well worn jeans and each has it's fans.

I have several types but sadly the mill I use cannot promise to deliver exactly what I want each time. My 3" is a smoother weave, but fairly firm, most of my 2 1/2" is hard with ridges as you describe. I have hard, smooth weave 2 1/2" and a soft, thick 2" linen. I have customers who love these materials, others who hate them <g>. Lots of these opinions (on both leather and linen) are based on perception of what linen "ought" to feel like, or based on what their last strop felt like AND whether they liked or disliked what they last had.

I think you will also find that "linen" has become the generic term for whatever the cloth part of a strop is made from. Most, if not all are cotton or cotton blends, or a "Linen Weave" which means nothing about the material other than is is woven in the same weave pattern as traditional components.

Mine are cotton and I have done a few in real linen but it has some issues that cancels out it's positive aspects.

Tony