Lost my mojo?

I seem to have gotten progressively worse at keeping my Ralf Aust properly stropped and shave ready. By that, I mean that while I used to be able to keep it very good for at least a few months before needing a hone touchup (I don't hone myself), I now cant seem to get a proper edge. Is it possible my poor care of strop could make it that ineffective? I have an Illinois 821 I bought on Amazon for about $30 a couple years ago. I confess to not treating it very well, only recently applying some Neatsfoot oil. May be too late.

But, is this likely? Do poorly conditioned or maintained strops perform poorly such that I can't get a shave ready blade on an otherwise honed straight? Or is it more likely my technique has changed over time and that I now just suck at stropping without realizing what I do differently?

I need help, that's for sure.

A properly mentained strop is essential for a long lasting edge.
You should read about propper strop maintenance...
Hidrate it once in a while...and don't overdoit with the neatsfoot oil.
Make a habit of rubing your palm over the surface of the strop before stropping that way you refresh the surface and get some fresh oil in the leather.
Keep it i a dust free area or cover it.

Yess the strop can make or break the deal when it comes to edge milage:)

At the beginning I really studied it all, then just did a really, really crappy job of maintaining the strop, even neglecting to simply rub my hands on it. Would you advise starting over with a nicer strop? Maybe something from SRD?

Hey Hang In There You,ll Be AllRight,, It Is Very Easy To Get Disappointed There Just Maybe Somebody In Your Area That Is Willing To Help You Out,,, Just Reach Out They,ll Respond !!!!!!!!!Ty

The strop or lazy technique could both contribute to your issues.

Could it be that you are learning what a proper edge is and your expectations are higher?

Could be stroping technique or shaving technique. Could also be they they were honed differently. Was it honed by the same person on the same stones?

There really isn't much maintenance needed on a good strop. Wipe it down once a month with a damp cloth to rid it of dust( big factor in keeping a great edge ) and rub it with your palm once in a while, the neatsfoot isn't needed unless somehow you dryed it out. But thu normal use that doesn't happen. My strops are 4 years old and nothing has been put on them, the newer ones are just as good as the old ones.

Maybe complacency, or your not performing the same routine during shaving. Start out with it fresh from your hone guy, then keep a nice steady stropping routine that you really pay attention to, and log how many shaves you get. Are you doing any refreshing?, If not consider a good barbers hone for 4-5 laps and see if that helps when it starts pulling.

Let us know. Tc

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Originally Posted by 32t

The strop or lazy technique could both contribute to your issues.

Could it be that you are learning what a proper edge is and your expectations are higher?

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I wish that were the case, but I'm certain it is not. I think my stropping has either slipped into a bad habit, or my strop is in too poor condition.

Thank you everybody. I'll refresh it with my barbers hone, and concentrate on my routine. And I'll go from there. I've had it expertly honed by one our SRP mentors, and definitely know what it is supposed to be like. I was able to keep it there in the past, but just haven't been able to more recently. I'll keep working on it.

So its been a couple months what did you learn ?

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Originally Posted by nodakjohns

So its been a couple months what did you learn ?

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I'm happy to say that I believe it was the rough, crappy strop I was using. My new red latino from SRD is, so far, keeping my razor shave ready. My excellent shaves are back. I think I also may be more handsome as well.

Yea them little red latinos from SRD surely can keep your razor sharp. ße careful and don't drink and strop or shave or judge your dancing style or looks.

Do not take pain meds and strop.