Thread: Linen, or Canvas or Horsehide, OH MY!

If the linen strop doesn't provide any benefit, why do all the old strops come with one? I use the linen, don't know if it matters but I do use it before the leather.

Firebox,

IIRC, someone posted that they had the opportunity to speak with the son of the founder of the Illionois Strop Co. The Illionois scion was a very old man at the time of this conversation, but said that the linen was intended to remove any slight corrosion that may have developed on the edge of the razor since it had been put away, and that it was intended to be used for that puropse before using the leather side of the strop.

sounds good, Bruce

I don't see how linen will remove slight corrosion, and leather won't, its not that abrasive, steel is much harder.

Originally Posted by Bruce

Firebox,

IIRC, someone posted that they had the opportunity to speak with the son of the founder of the Illionois Strop Co. The Illionois scion was a very old man at the time of this conversation, but said that the linen was intended to remove any slight corrosion that may have developed on the edge of the razor since it had been put away, and that it was intended to be used for that puropse before using the leather side of the strop.

sounds good, Bruce

Ok, I can see how this might work. Drying is good to prevent anything happening to the edge.

Originally Posted by edk442

I use linen before a shave just because bout (30-40 passes) (you can't get more scientific than that) and after a shave to remove any soap and/or water residue and to dry the edge (but only like 10 passes)

Bert,

I'm not sure how the process works or how it is intended to work. I only mentioned what I remember reading. However, have you looked at the old keys on your ring and noticed how the most used are really worn? And that's only from rubbing them lightly with your fingertips. Nature she works in mysterious ways. I keep telling myself that when it seems that only the honemeisters can make razors sharp.

AHA! To heck with the linen, rub the razor on your fingertips...


Ooop-, B-u--

I get yuour point, but I think those keys are worn because they rub metal on metal going into the lock more than my finger. But I do agree.... running water will abrade and smooth stone, given enough time

Originally Posted by Bruce

Bert,

I'm not sure how the process works or how it is intended to work. I only mentioned what I remember reading. However, have you looked at the old keys on your ring and noticed how the most used are really worn? And that's only from rubbing them lightly with your fingertips. Nature she works in mysterious ways. I keep telling myself that when it seems that only the honemeisters can make razors sharp.

AHA! To heck with the linen, rub the razor on your fingertips...


Ooop-, B-u--

Bertmor
You can polish metal away with any cloth even tempered metals. My pocket knife has a great polish to it from being in my pocket all the time and that is only rubbing against soft cotton. Remember that we are talking about a very fine edge on a razor so the work needed to polish it is very small.
As far as linen only being used for removing corrosion, can't see how a barber that uses a razor time after time or with very little rest time, would get a case of corrosion on his blade. I guess nothing is beyond the realms of possibility.

All I can say is that the linen works for me and it seems quite a few others members. I would suggest you try a good quality linen strop and see how you like it, you may be supprised.

PuFF

Well time and experience will show me, I guess. Anything is possible. As for corrosion, a very fine edge, especially carbon steel, will get microscopic corrosion very easily. May not see it, can't really prevent it. Honing will remove it. Allowing a patina to develop will help.

Originally Posted by PuFFaH

Bertmor
You can polish metal away with any cloth even tempered metals. My pocket knife has a great polish to it from being in my pocket all the time and that is only rubbing against soft cotton. Remember that we are talking about a very fine edge on a razor so the work needed to polish it is very small.
As far as linen only being used for removing corrosion, can't see how a barber that uses a razor time after time or with very little rest time, would get a case of corrosion on his blade. I guess nothing is beyond the realms of possibility.

All I can say is that the linen works for me and it seems quite a few others members. I would suggest you try a good quality linen strop and see how you like it, you may be supprised.

PuFF