Thread: Worked spine damage a strop?

I've received my first straight with a worked spine, which is putting scratches in my TM latigo strop. I'm a bit timid about really stropping properly and for any length of time, since I don't know if this will really damage the strop over time.

Please help a new guy understand whether this is a real concern. Or, maybe I'm just doing it all wrong? If so, advice and guidance would be appreciated.

i know at least one custom razor maker who is concerned about the spine work damaging the strop, when designing those.

Welcome to SRP. I know it is a PITA but maybe putting a piece of tape on the spine before you strop it might be the only answer. I do that with all that I hone but thankfully not when I strop.

I know exactly how I would fix that, but I am very reluctant to post it....

I am thinking that you might PM Seraphim, Butch Harner, Joe Chandler, Philadelph.... I think all of them do spine work and they will probably have a solution for you to try....

I have done this myself with one of the older heavy TI Frameback razors. It has a fat, thick spine with filework and while compensating to not lift the edge it is easy to put too much pressure on the spine, scratching the strop.

A little creative reworking of the file work may reduce this issue.

Tony

I have stropped many, many custom razors with worked spines over the years on a bunch of different strops and other than the lines from the filing showing up on the strop while stopping, I have really never noticed any actual damage to the strop over the long haul. I still hand rub my strops before and sometimes after use. Flat is still the key and to make sure the edge is on the strop vs. too much concentration on the file work causing additional pressure there.

Disclaimer: I have never stropped a razor where the file work had any kind of sharp edges.

Have fun,

Lynn

I may be putting too much pressure on the spine as I strop, but I think that the real problem is that there's a rough edge on both sides of the spine that was naturally created by the file work. I've already spoken to the maker of this blade and he's graciously agreed to do some light sanding to eliminate the roughness. I could probably do this myself, but I'll send it back so that I don't screw it up - which would be the real risk based on my past experience with precision instruments.

As far as posting my issue here, it was just as I expected - you guys were quick to jump in and offer your help and advice. Thanks for that.

Until I can get it off to the post (since I'm working in Singapore right now and won't be able to send this off until I get back to the U.S.) I'll try taping up the spine for stropping in the meantime. Does anybody think that this may change the angle enough to cause a problem?

1 layer of plastic electrical tape and your fine until you have it corrected,,,,

BTW that is exactly what I would do to fix it, quick light sanding along the spine edge....