Thread: Linen Side of New Strop

Hey again folks, I have just recieved my new Illinois 127 Strop. May I ask what is the white linen side used for? It contains the leather side and the white linen behind. Sorry for being such a newbie lol. Thanks in advance!
Also what is a decent Strop conditioner to use on it as well.

Fromm International (makers of Illinois strops) make a strop dressing. I have a few left on ebay right now at $6.95 each. It is a whitish cream that is rubbed into the surface and helps create a bit of friction or "draw" when the razor goes across it.
Dovo makes a yellow paste for the same purpose. Both of these are for the leather side only though.

Dovo makes a white paste for the linen side which some people use. It is likely a chalk type material. Illinois claims there is a fine abrasive impregnated into the linen side of their strops. I always use the linen for 20 or so passes before using the leather. if you have just honed or stropped on an abrasive pasted strop this step is skipped.

Tony

I recall reading somewhere that the linen/cotton was used to cl;esn the blade of grit and warm the metal (from vigourous, yet gentle stropping) thus making it more receptive to the influence of the leather.

P.S. Some folks use nothing on their strops. To what effect I wonder.

X