Thread: Balsa and Leather

Hey guys.

I'm a broke student trying to get into the art that is the straight shave and need to get some hardware that won't empty the wallet.
Is it possible to skip the stropping on a leather and just opt for a cheap balsa?
I'm planning on sending my blades out to get honed (since I have neither the money to buy Nortons or the experience to use them). But when they start to dull again, I want to have a strop around to use.
Any help/guidance/pointers would be fantastic.
Thanks!

you need to strop daily from day 1- not just when it gets dull. Stropping keeps the edge keen and comfortable.
There are some that have used a belt, some use their forearm. I wouldn't recommend any of that, but you should be able to get an entry strop for ~$20. Keep an eye on the Classifieds or PM Kenrup for one of his starter sets.
I have also heard of people using rolled up newspaper, but I haven't tried it.

Ok, so if I were to fashion up a cheap balsa paddle strop like some of the other guys have would I be able to use that daily? Or would that be more of a maintenance strop?

I'm more familiar with balsa paddles being used in conjunction with pastes for touching up slightly dull razors rather than for daily maintenance, but perhaps someone else will weigh in here.

I've only heard reference to using a balsa paddle strop with pastes, and not for daily stropping. I don't have a balsa paddle strop, but I don't see the balsa having the same effects (i.e. amount of draw/pull) as a leather strop.

You could always invest in a balsa paddle strop for a fine paste like chromium oxide if you wanted a cheap way to touch-up your razors. One thread that comes to mind is: http://straightrazorpalace.com/basic...-30k-hone.html

But for daily use, I would just go for a simple leather strop. Definitely look around and check out the classifieds.

I use balsa for pasting CrO, but that is it.

Definately need a leather strop for daily use.

ruprazor has a fily strop for $20, with one side pasted.

Looking at the classifieds, this is a pretty good deal. Dovo Classic - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

email Tony Miller at The Well Shaved Gentleman, Heirloom Razor Strop Company, Straight Razor Shaving Supplier about one of his practice strops. they are pretty cheap.

Some more info:
* You do need to strop daily before you shave with leather.
* The pasted strop is only for touching up your razor. Using it every day will quickly give you a wire edge and need honed.

Check out a local leatherworking shop and see if they will sell you a belt blank. They are usually 1 1/2 to 2 inches wide and you can get a somple buckle to hang it off the door with. If you ask for a strop, they are usually a bit more, not sure why.

Hope this helps. I use a strip of leather I cut my self out of a scrap I had laying around and it works okay until I get a proper strop. It is just a piece of vegetable tanned leather for making knife sheaths and such. Put a bit of conditioner on it and it is good to go.

You can also use newspaper. Don't roll it just wrap a couple sheets around a perfectly flat surface. Keep it tight. I use a glass cutting board that I got at Wally mart. Stop as usual on the paper, use sections with the most print per sq inch. Funnies are good