Thread: Black on Back

I have started to notice that after I strop my razor there is black on the spine of my razor and I it may be on the blade also. I have to wipe it down with a clean cloth or tissue to get it off.

I don't think I am using a lot of pressure, if any at all. I hook the strop onto a towel ring and hold it tight toward me. I (at least try to) put only enough pressure to keep the blade against the Black Leather Strop, holding it with the top of my thumb and index finger. it does sag just slightly when stropping, but I still hold it relatively tight to keep it straight.

The strop does have some nicks and cuts in it that I tried to smooth out using my SO's 5 way rectangular nail file, not sure if doing that is what is causing it. I have also noticed that when stropping I tend to hold the razer a little sideways rather than straight.

What do you think? Am I using too much pressure or did I mess up the strop by using the buffing side of a nail filer? Or is this somewhat normal (don't think it is though)?

You have not told us much about your strop, and how your resultant shaves have been. You do know that the black does not come natural and has been dyed. Sorry, I just had to mention that.

Having said that, I have been using a Tony Miller red latigo for about 2-1/2 years now. I use multiple strops when I strop; three as a mater of fact. after I use strop #1, I apply alcohol to the blade with a cotton pad. I do this to prevent contamination between the strops. BTW, after applying OH, I wipe it with tissue and do about six laps on the linen and move on to the next strop. I tell you this because when I first started with the red latigo, when I wiped it with tissue, I would get a small red streak on the tissue. During these 2-1/2 years, the red streaks have become less and less promenant. There could be perhaps two reasons: for sure one reason is that I have become more and more proficent at stropping (lighter and lighter pressure), and maybe less and less dye from the strop - probably due to multiple use and rubbing it with the palm over those 2-1/2 years.

Whatever the reason is, in your case, lighter pressure is always the rule in stropping. I am guessing you could be new to our hobby. So,....two answers: Lighter and lighter pressure, and more longivity time with your strop, and I think you will see less and less black on your blade.

Regards,

Steve

I have a 2" Black SRD Strop I recieved with my 5/8 Dove set. I strop around 30 - 50 times depending on my mood and if I loose count or not.

The shaves are still good so it is not affecting that. The only thing I have been noticing since starting to wiping my blade with alcohol and mineral oil is a streak of black on the back or spine of the razor. I can see it before I wipe it off but not sure if it is also on the blade, it wipes off easily.

I think the situation will correct itself as you continue using the strop. I don't think you harmed the effectiveness of the strop, I just think the refinishing left microscopic particles in the surface that are finding their way to your razor. With use, the particles will diminish.

That is comforting to hear. Thank you.

I do have to say that makes sense. I never saw this until I tried to refinish the strop from my cuts and nicks.