Thread: Linen or Leather?

Originally Posted by Bart

Another thing that I've picked up about the linen ( in a Dutch shaving book) is that during stropping, very small, but sharp particles may be knocked of the edge. If it happens on linen, those particles get safely embedded in the fabric of the cloth. If the same happens on leather, they may stick out the surface, doing possible microdamage to the edge. In that sense, the linen prepares the edge for a safe stropping session on the leather. I 'm doubtful about all this, but wanted to share it anyway.

Bart.

one member recommended not stropping on leather after the shave, but rather after the razor has rested for some time, to prevent broken pieces of blade-edge from being embedded in the leather.
maybe the linen after a shave is better.

ive used honey brown , red litigo and tonys brown,
i just got my first strop with a linen side, and after using the linen 25 laps then the russian red for 40 laps i have to say i think the linen does make a difference, the razor seems to be sharper and smoother , and passes the HH test more consistently,
just my observation but ill be using the canvas , linen side first from now on,
Grottolord

I have been experimenting lately with a canvas like webbing on the SRD strops that Don and I will be offering soon and it feels very much like the vintage canvas that was used on the old strops. Takes pastes very well too, but I prefer to use it bare. I look at it as a prep for the leather and it is working quite well. Out of habit more than anything, I strop around 10-15 times on the canvas and then 30-40 times on the leather.

Lynn

I agree with all the posts giving a thumbs up for linen. I got a linen/leather strop a couple of months ago and it really smooths and sharpens the edge better than only leather.