Thread: Stropping

Folks, I am having difficulty using my strop correctly. I have a Illinois #361 and when I use the linen side then the leather side is seems that the blade gets duller rather than sharper. I attempt to hold it tight and don't put much pressure on the blade, but it still seems to dull my blade. However when I use the hand american leather hone (without paste) it really works. I want to be able to get the same on my #361. Any suggestions?

jmsbucknr

Hi - I have the 361 also, but never use the 'linen' side of it! I use my Dovo Strop's linen. It is much softer, and a totally different weave pattern.

The strop went into use, but ONLY after really conditioning it...first a coupla times with the Fromm Strop Conditioner, and this weekend with "Bag Balm", which really worked well to soften the leather, and improve the 'draw'.

Technique is as important as the strop......I would check that first!

Best -

Thanks. I wonder if it would make a difference if I washed the linen. Would that make it a bit softer?

jmsbcknr

I was stropping (#361 again and I do use the linen) toe first and I think it may have been causing the same effect. By stropping today with the heal first I achieved a noticably better edge. Can it be that by stropping against the direction of the honed fins that they are brought up to do their job?

X

Originally Posted by xman

I was stropping (#361 again and I do use the linen) toe first and I think it may have been causing the same effect. By stropping today with the heal first I achieved a noticably better edge. Can it be that by stropping against the direction of the honed fins that they are brought up to do their job?

X

I will definately try it. I usually try with the heel first on the strop, but recently have been trying an X pattern. Though I can do an X on a stone or Hand American--usually because I use two hands on the blade--I think I will go back to heel first and see if it makes a difference. I am also going to try my old Dovo linen to see if that works better than the 361 linen.

jmsbcknr

I don't think washing the #361 linen will have much effect. That stuff feels like Kevlar. It seems to be coated or impregnated with something hard.

I use my #361 a few times a week and have decent results but do tend to use the heel first.

I like the Illinois strops but prefer a softer linen too. I am about done my own series of hanging strops featuring an oil treated vegtable tanned leather and a heavy yet pliant linen, 2.5" x 24"

Tony

Originally Posted by Tony Miller

I am about done my own series of hanging strops featuring an oil treated vegtable tanned leather and a heavy yet pliant linen, 2.5" x 24"

Tony

Will you be posting those in the Gallery for us? How much will they run? Ever considered a padded paddle? Or anything else? :shock:

X

Originally Posted by Tony Miller

I am about done my own series of hanging strops featuring an oil treated vegtable tanned leather and a heavy yet pliant linen, 2.5" x 24"

Tony

dammit man!!! have you no shame? have you not taken enough of my money already??? just let me know how much dammit :lol:

My strops will probably be the same $34.95 I sell the Illinois #127 for. Just want to give the prototypes a few more days testing and finalize the design so they all look alike when I release them.

I may try a padded paddle but not sure there would be much call for it. I am thinking the same 1.5 x 10 as my other paddles except one side has felt padding behind the leather and the other side will be hard.

I am always open to new (or old) designs. I have the 2 vintage style paddles, the flat mahogany paddle, maybe a padded paddle and there will be three hanging strops, a plain leather linen, a natural leather linen and a new Tri-Strop to replace my Illinois offerings. All can be had as just leather or just linen too.

Tony

Originally Posted by Tony Miller

I don't think washing the #361 linen will have much effect. That stuff feels like Kevlar. It seems to be coated or impregnated with something hard.

I use my #361 a few times a week and have decent results but do tend to use the heel first.

I like the Illinois strops but prefer a softer linen too. I am about done my own series of hanging strops featuring an oil treated vegtable tanned leather and a heavy yet pliant linen, 2.5" x 24"

Tony

I wonder if you are going to sell the linen separately so I can just replace that side of the strop rather than buying a completely new strop?

jmsbcknr