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I just ordered the Dovo Prima Klang Bocote Razor as my first Straight Razor. I ordered the kit with the Strop and all the bells and whistles. I was wandering if I have to use any kind of paste on my strop? If so, what is recommended. Also, I was told that I should strop the Razor prior to each use and send it back 4 times a year for honing. Any/all help is greatly appreciated.
IMO it is best to keep your daily strop free of any pastes. If you want to use a paste or chrom-ox find another alternative. A paddle such as the modular that SRD sells is great but there are many homemade alternatives as well.
My stropping routine is 50 linen or fabric followed by 50 leather before I shave and 20 leather afterwards. How often you have to send your razor back for honing varies with individual use and care.
I've moved this thread to the Stropping forum, it should get a bit more coverage here..!
To answer your questions, you should not paste your daily strop. All you need to do to treat a new strop is to give it a rub with your hand. The oils from your skin will do a really good job of keeping the leather in good condition.
I actually rub my strop before each use. This seems to really increase the draw and makes the stropping feel better. To me at least..! :)
You should strop the razor before each use. I do 30 material and 60 leather before each shave, and I actually do 15 material and 25 leather afterwards as well, once I've cleaned the blade off just before I store the razor. This makes sure there is no microgunk left on the edge and ensures the edge is totally dry.
You wont definately need to send the razor off four times a year to be honed. You only need to hone the razor once it starts to pull or it wont remove hair. At this point you can touch the razor up on a barber hone or pasted strop, or send it off to be touched up if you dont have the kit yourself.
Its worth getting a barber hone or pasted strop for these touch ups, as they can really help extend the time between honings.
Good luck and keep us posted!
Thanks for the input. I am sorry I posted this in the wrong section
No worries! :)
Good luck and let us know how you get on. If you have any questions or concerns, please ask!