Thread: Which side?

This will probably be a silly question to most of you veterans, but I guess we all have to start somewhere! I hadn't even thought of this until I had my very first strop in hand today. Which side of the leather should I use for stropping - the rough side or the smooth side?

Thanks in advance!!

-Martin

Hi Martin,

Welcome to the forum!

Generally, one can use either side of the strop; much depends on user preference. Some folks like the extra "draw" (resistance to the movement of the razor) that the rough side affords. Others (like me) prefer the smooth side. Try both sides, and see which one you prefer!

Cheers,
Jeff

Smooth side. Check the wiki they just updated the info today.

Another recommending the smooth here. It it has been manufactured as a finished side, you can use the rough in place of linen. If it's too rough, either sand it, or avoid it though.

Yes, smooth, think smoothing the edge and as Gunner said, check the Wiki.

as early said smooth side . Some strop's rough side you can paste with chro2. You need to make sure you can use chro2 in there before putting it. show us picture of the strops both sides we can help.gl

Lucky you! Smooth side, & don't paste the back or you'll contaminate the fabric strop.
It's an expensive strop to get started with. You will find you nick it at first. I'd recommend grabbing something cheaper till you've got it mastered.

Smooth side. Leather is a porous material and that which you put on the back will eventually leach it way to the smooth side.

Lewis

I have the SRD 3" Red Latigo strop. I also have the wool and cotton weave SRD strop.
Use the side that has the decorative buttons and the SRD logo (logo located at the top) for the leather strop. Use the side that has the decorative buttons for the wool and cotton weave.
Note: On the SRD combo strops, at the top the flat head screws might be on either side so use the handle to verify which side has the decorative buttons for the side to use. Usually you can see the decorative buttons on the handle and where it connects to the stropping leather then flip the strop over and you'll see the decorative buttons facing you, again, for the weave.
I called Don and verified this when I received mine.