I have been shaving with a straight for about a month. I have been using an old belt for my leather strop. I am now thinking of using an old silk tie as a linen strop. Can any one tell me if this is a good or bad idea.
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I have been shaving with a straight for about a month. I have been using an old belt for my leather strop. I am now thinking of using an old silk tie as a linen strop. Can any one tell me if this is a good or bad idea.
I think silk is to fine. My linen has a texture to it.
I think the effectiveness of cloth strops depends on two factors. The inhernt smoothness of the material itself and that of how it is woven. I have va NOS Vintage Silk strop that is quite slick but has a very textured weave which makes up for the inherent smoothness of silk. I am sure many of the cloth materials could benifit from a bit of roughing too in order to raise a napp on the surface, just like leather does.
Tony
Thank you for the info. I think I will look through some old ties that wikk never be worn in public and try it out.
Well I have tried the silk tie. I would say it is not worth doing. At least with this tie. the way this one is woven it has a lot of stretch in it, therefor hard to use, also the shape makes it very hard to strop the razor evenly.
Maybe you need to use one of those "power ties" the suit types wear and intimidate the edge. <g>
Tony