Thread: Strop Nick

I'm a newbie and unfortunatly I nicked my strop by not flipping the blade in time. Actually there are three nicks and I don't want to run the blade across them. One is deep the other two are superficial but still you can feel them. Is there a way of working them out or softening them up? Did I ruin this expensive strop?

Unless they're REALLY deep nicks, then no, you didn't ruin your strop. If the little nicks affect stropping, you could always give the strop a light sanding. I've found using 600 grit sandpaper to be very effective when used on the strop. I just give it a very light sanding to scuff up the surface a bit, it should remove those pesky nicks too.

If you don't want to go the sanding route, you could always just try and conditioning the strop, maybe that'll help smooth over the nicks.

I had a similar issue with my strop. In addition to sanding, I've heard of people filling small holes with rubber cement (though I've never done it and take no responsibility). I read you fill the hole with cement and then sand the strop to ensure everything is even. If its a big hole and you won't use the strop otherwise, might be worth a try. Sanding and conditioning after is probably the best first step. Good luck!

A little pumice stone can help too for small nicks, as it's not very aggressive... (like others have said, sandpaper works well too)

Wiki to the rescue - we have an article on strop repair: Strop treatment and repair - Straight Razor Place Wiki

I used my wifes fingernail file, as I didn't want to go out to the garage! I definately didn't tell her though! It was light enough that it didn't do much damage. Worked fine for me!

Thanks, I forget about Wiki sometimes.