Printable View
I just got a my first strop. Illinois Razor Strop 2.5" x 23" Imperial Russia with Handle - Knifecenter.com
However when I look at it, it has little burs of leather in the leather. I'm not sure how to explain it other than that. Is this something I need to remove before I stop my razor.
Does the surface feel smooth, or are the little burs making it a little bumpy? If it's not smooth, perhaps you should try conditioning the strop (using leather conditioner or something similar). It may be that these litte burs will smooth out after conditioning, although I would have to see/feel the strop to know for sure.
If conditioning does not help your issue, perhaps you could consider lightly sanding the surface of the strop to smooth it out. I typically use 600 grit or finer. If you want to go this route, I would search the strop sub-forum for sanding strops, as I'm pretty sure there are several threads discussing this.
Do you have any pictures of your strop, maybe that would help identify the problem :).
Dave
P.s. I wouldn't do anything after just reading my post, I would wait for other opinions on this matter!
It's supposed to be like that. I have one and originally had the same question. It works just fine.
That's exactly why I said to wait until other opinions. I don't know the answer to everything!Quote:
Originally Posted by hults
The Illinois 127 and 827 are identical in size but the 827 is made with the inner, rough side of the leather outermost and compressed to make it semi-smooth while the 127 has the smooth, skin side outermost and is much smoother.
Tony
827 on the left, 127 on the right
Is that really what it looks like???? That's not what I expected at all...I thought all strops would be smooth to the touch. Hey, I guess you learn something new every day!
Dave
I have found that when oiling/conditioning the #827's if you put the oil on a ruff cotton washcloth and rub it in using that, instead of the palm or heel of the hand you get a very nice draw, if however you wan't a slicker feel to the strop, a smooth glass rub down will slick it right up.... Myself I like slightly more draw but that is a personal thing....
I've never owned an Illinois strop. Is that seriously the stropping side of that strop? Really? I can't imagine stropping my razors on such a surface. I do use the "flesh" side of strops, but only after hand sanding all that nap off of it.
Chris L
I thought one had slipped through quality control when i received it. But it really does work just fine... Lots of feedback and draw (with conditioner like glen said).
Unfortunately, it's mostly been on the bench since I got a TM 3". :y
Seems crazy right? It is a great strop though. It was my first and I get better results on my wedges using it for what ever reason. I love it and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it for anyone or any blade.Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris L
-Rob
Rob: It does seem crazy. But it must work. Interesting.
Chris L
It isn't that rough. But that is what I'm talking about.Quote:
Originally Posted by hults
Conditioned with what? I know we used to condition baseball gloves with petroleum jelly. Will that help on a strop too?
I've only ever used Fromm strop and Dovo paste... but not often with either. Mostly I just rub my strops with my palm when walking by.
I think others have mentioned mink oil, neatsfoot oil and the like. There's probably a lot more information on your options in the wiki.
Quote:
Originally Posted by stdreb27
Please do not use petroleum products on your leather, get some neatsfoot oil or something similar.
Why? Out of curiosity?Quote:
Originally Posted by nun2sharp
I've done a lot of stuff to really really expensive baseball gloves. And of all the different things we played with, nothing softened leather, treated it, cleaned and moisturized my gloves better than Vaseline. We'd rub in a good layer, then remove the excess with a old tshirt or something.
My 827 looked pretty much like that, only it alternated between rough and smooth in bands. It drove me nuts, so I took some 400 grit sandpaper and sanded it until I got it to a smoothness I liked. I finished it off by putting some Neatsfoot on it, which was probably not the best of choices. It has a really nice draw now, but will occasionally leave a bit of "residue" (best description I can give it) on the edge of the blade. It's easily wiped off, and is only a minor annoyance.
Works very well for my heavier Wade and Butcher, but not quite as well for the lighter, more hollow ground blades.
Regards,
Charles
Yeah, I've owned several 827 Russia strops and none have ever been as rough as the one shown in that pic. There is certainly a texture to it, but nothing like that. If that is an 827 and it really is that rough....somethings not right.Quote:
Originally Posted by stdreb27
Scott
That was taken with a macro lens. So, it makes the 827 look a bit rougher than it really is. It's also on the lower edge, which doesn't get much action.