Thread: Russian Finish--Backside

I am a noob with a questions that I haven't seen answered yet.
I recently purchased a Dovo strop with " one-sided tan Russian finish leather" from Vintage Blades LLC.
The finished side is tan and smooth as silk, while the back side is red and bumpy-dimpled.
It was advertized as a single sided strop. However, I was wondering if there is any use for the "unfinished"
side? Maybe a paste polish?
Any comments or advise would be appreciated.

If I am not badly mistaken the rough side is part of what gives the smooth side it's characteristics as being a Russian finish. It is not meant to be stropped on.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

If I am not badly mistaken the rough side is part of what gives the smooth side it's characteristics as being a Russian finish. It is not meant to be stropped on.

On this review of the Hand American strop it says that the diamond side is most definitely to be used...

Originally Posted by Seraphim

On this review of the Hand American strop it says that the diamond side is most definitely to be used...

Guess I was badly mistaken

If you're talking about the Dovo 3" wide "Russian style" strop, then you must be referring to the reddish colored side of the strop that looks like it has sort of a skin type relief on the surface? Not a dimpled surface, but a somewhat raised surface that has a random grain to it. Disturbingly IIRC it looks like a similar pattern to human skin rather than dimpled pigskin, etc.

At any rate I think I know the strop you're talking about as I owned one some time ago (sold it).

I see no reason why you couldn't apply a diamond paste or chrome ox to that side. The surface is level.

Chris L

Originally Posted by Chris L

If you're talking about the Dovo 3" wide "Russian style" strop, then you must be referring to the reddish colored side of the strop that looks like it has sort of a skin type relief on the surface? Not a dimpled surface, but a somewhat raised surface that has a random grain to it. Disturbingly IIRC it looks like a similar pattern to human skin rather than dimpled pigskin, etc.

At any rate I think I know the strop you're talking about as I owned one some time ago (sold it).

I see no reason why you couldn't apply a diamond paste or chrome ox to that side. The surface is level.

Chris L

Yes, this is the same strop. The red "patterned" part does have a random grain. Although the surface is level, It seems a little rough with the "pattern". I am apprehensive about using it for fear of damaging my blade (a Dovo silver steel with ebony handle).

I have a couple of Russian style strops, they have a diamond pattern on the back of them and I have never used the back and have never heard of it until now.

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

I have a couple of Russian style strops, they have a diamond pattern on the back of them and I have never used the back and have never heard of it until now.

That is what I was thinking of. I remember reading that the diamond finish gives the smooth side the feel it has. I guess you could paste and use it if you wanted to. Maybe Tony Miller will run up on this thread and offer his expert opinion.