Thread: Illinois 827 strop

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.

Originally Posted by hults

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!

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".