Use only a flat strop on these razors

I bought a new razor for my collection - Jaques Lecoultre au Sentier, interchandable two blades. Interesting stamp on cardbox: Use only a flat strop on these razors. What's the mean? Flat strop = paddle strop?
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I’m not sure about the stamp on the box but it looks like and earlier model JLC with a knurled screw head securing the blade. The later models used a slot head screw. Also the boxes for those are often not in great condition, but yours looks pretty pristine. Nice score. Now to look around and see if I can find an answer to your question.

I have no idea why they would say to only use a flat strop or even mean by "flat strop". I do have the same type of razor, frameback, but without the removable blade option and use a hanging strop to strop it.

Bob

It seems that it would be a translation for either one of two options. Either it means a paddle strop or a hanging strop held taut. Of the two the paddle strop seems to be the more likely meaning given that it is a thing and not a method of use.

Additional info and pictures about the razor. Plastic scales, brass (not steel) knurled screw head, "M M & Co" stamp on the tang, both blades has #2 stamp. The case has a metal medallion that says "Est. 1819 C. Klauberg & Bros. Inc. Woolworth Building New York".
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That is in very nice condition and a handsome addition to your collection. In case you have not researched Klauberg and Brothers Inc, here is a bit of info https://straightrazorpalace.com/razo...rg-bros-2.html . My guess would be that the M M & Co on the tang refers to the maker of the razor in Switzerland. Likely located in one of the French speaking Cantons of Switzerland judging by the predominantly French writing on the razor coffin.

Bob

Lovely razor in mint condition :tu

https://straightrazorpalace.com/razo...itzerland.html

Bit of history for ya

Great link, Mark! :tu

If you look carefully at the photographs, There is one with a tapered spine getting larger as it approached the tip. The version would be the one I would consider for the use of the flat strop, as the taper would assure a good bevel angle. Coulter did not, to the best of my knowledge, mark his razor frames. He was also said to have made his own blade steel from the material of his watch springs. I have a blade of his that looks like wootz, but am unable to prove the concept.

~Richard

a flat strop could be indicating the use of a loom/paddle or hanging strop over a hard Box type strop, as the several I have seen all had a raised curve (convex) stropping face rather than a hollow (concave) face like a hanging or loom strop would achieve
just my thoughts
Dion

I believe that in the link Mark posted there is mention and an image of a paddle strop the company produced. I would take it then that flat strop is the same as a paddle strop and why wouldn't they recommend only using the type of strop they themselves produced. Man, that is a great link and I bookmarked it.

Bob

Yes, it's most likely))) Flat strop is here (picture by Martin103):

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by ShaveAndTravel

Yes, it's most likely))) Flat strop is here (picture by Martin103):

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A company wanting you to use only their products. That is surprising...:rolleyes:

This forum has a pile of info. Just Mark linking to an older thread has shared much info.
It even solved the 'flat strop' riddle!
Very cool! :D

Off to hone my Arbenz!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Geezer

If you look carefully at the photographs, There is one with a tapered spine getting larger as it approached the tip. The version would be the one I would consider for the use of the flat strop, as the taper would assure a good bevel angle. Coulter did not, to the best of my knowledge, mark his razor frames. He was also said to have made his own blade steel from the material of his watch springs. I have a blade of his that looks like wootz, but am unable to prove the concept.

~Richard

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Watch springs require totally different qualities than blades so I would doubt it's the same stuff. Also watch springs were very specialized items and unless you're talking before the industrial revolution there were specialized outfits supplying springs to all manufacturers.

But you never know.

It could also be a recommendation against using canvas. Wouldn't it be funny if you unscrewed the blade by stropping!