Hi All, after being taught to shave with a straight razor 30 years ago by my Grandfather, I deceided to return to the craft, I purchased the necessary supplies, bought a Boker "Red Injun" from a forum member, and a new Dovo 5/8ths, along with a Jemico red Russian strop (I will pick up a Tony Miller strop after the first of the year, but wanted to re-learn my skills first, so if I cut the jemico, I wouldnt worry about it too much).

anyway, as to the jemico, upon receiving it I was very disappointed, My grandfathers strops were very thick and heavy, the quality was (in my memory) great. The jemico came very thin, cheap stitching, and a very flimsy handle.

additionally, even when laid on a flat surface the strop was not flat, the edges were very high and it was cupped. I tried a rolling pin, but it did nothing. I then began to roll the leather between my fingers (like rolling a cigarette) and found that after about 30 minutes, it finally softened up enough to lay flat, and i was able to stop my razor.

I assume that they must have treated this strop somehow, to make it so stiff, as i was rolling it white specks (like dandruff) fell from the corse backside, has anyone else experienced this? I searched but found no similar posts.