Thread: Problem with new loom strop

I just received a loom style strop like this:

http://www.classicshaving.com/catalo...44/5170476.htm


There seems to be a problem though: the surface is not flat. All along the surface as I slide the razor down it length wise, the blade only makes contact with the outer edges of the strop! This is the case on both the pasted and the leather side . I can tell this because 1) when I strop I see a gap where the blade is over the middle of the strop surface and 2) the pasted side got shiny along the outer edges along the length of the strop after 4 passes. I have tried tightening it, and loosening it, but to no avail.

This just doesn't seem right. I have other hanging strops (I got this for travel and liked the pre-pasted side), and don't have anything like this. Anyone familiar with this strop or heard of this before? I sent classicshaving an email about it, but wanted to see if this has been seen before.

Andrew

My understanding is that with a loom strop they are adjustable so you probably have to either tighten it or loosen it so your razor makes perfect contact.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

My understanding is that with a loom strop they are adjustable so you probably have to either tighten it or loosen it so your razor makes perfect contact.

Thanks, but I tried that and it didn't change anything. I believe this effect is called cupping, but I am not sure. No matter how much I tighten or loosen the loom, it doesn't change. It is only slight, but enough to where the blade won't make contact with anything but the outer edges of the strop as it slides down the strop.

Andrew

Leather is malleable, pinch it together slightly on the sides in the direction that would reverse the cupping you have noticed and find a way to maintain a gentle flex in this direction for a few minutes, see if that helps. Maybe apply a conditioner at the same time, Neatsfoot oil is what I use. Be gentle about it, so as to not create a spot that's too high in the middle.

Maybe put some paper towels, or a tea towel behind the leather to reverse the cup.

Loosen the strop then do the pinch as suggested. This usually works well and should last a few days each time. You could also slightly dampen the leather and pinch it too and see if this helps.

I find it best to remove all tension from the loom when not in use but often times it is just the nature of the leather to want to curl.

Tony

Thanks, guys. I contacted the vendor (classicshaving.com) about it, and they were quick about offering to send out a replacement. They said they hadn't seen it on new ones before, but would be sure to check out the replacement. Very nice folks at classicshaving.

I was going to try your suggestions, but figured I should actually send it back rather than risk messing it up. I would hate to molest the thing, have it not work, and then call the vendor and ask for a replacement. Not a good idea.

The reason for my original post was to see if this is a common problem with these, and whether there was a way to fix it. After reading up further on this type of strop, it seems that cupping might be inevitable. Following the advice I have read from you all though, if this one arrives without any cupping, I will be sure to store it without any tension. Plus, now I know how to counter it if/when it does occur.

Andrew

I have a very similar one. The cupping was resolved by the pinching others have suggested on here. Also, make sure you loosen the tension when you finish with it. And of course, on this size strop you should be using the x-pattern whilst stropping which will ensure every part of the blade will at some point meet the leather.

It's a good strop in my opinion. I use it as my travel strop -- never gets crushed and has red paste on one side.

Originally Posted by majurey

I have a very similar one. The cupping was resolved by the pinching others have suggested on here. Also, make sure you loosen the tension when you finish with it. And of course, on this size strop you should be using the x-pattern whilst stropping which will ensure every part of the blade will at some point meet the leather.

It's a good strop in my opinion. I use it as my travel strop -- never gets crushed and has red paste on one side.

Cool, thanks. Good to know this will work. It does look like a nice strop, and it appealed to me more so than the other small paddles I had seen. Perfect size for travel and well made. I would like to see one of Mastro Livi loom strops. I am sure they are of uber-quality.

Question: Do you dress yours with anything to help keep it pliable?

Andrew

The surface of the leather on mine is very soft so there hasn't been any need to treat it at all.

I would just love to own a Livi loom strop one day -- one of those full size monstrous ones. When I went to his workshop he stropped my blade on one of his long looms pasted with CrO2 (I think) vigorously -- that was almost a year ago and I have yet to hit the hone with that blade (I use it weekly in rotation). I think Lynn also has one of those looms.

Here's a photo of Maestro Livi stropping that blade I mentioned.

Originally Posted by majurey

Here's a photo of Maestro Livi stropping that blade I mentioned.

WOW! Now that is a loom strop! How much does one of them cost, in the cheapest of handle materials ?

Andrew