Thread: New user questions

My new strop arrived today. Nothing special I was advised not to through down a fortune on my first. So my questions are...

1. Do I need to treat it prior to use in any way?

2. It has two strops. One being a softer thin leather, the other a much stiffer and thick leather. In which order and what purpose do each serve?

3. Unfortunately it's only 2", do I have to use the x pattern or can I just keep it straight and alternate which end of the blade I have in contact?

I know typical rookie questions you have all heard. But thank you for understanding and as always thank you for all your advice and information it is very much appreciated.

Hello Bottomfeeder,

Good questions. I don't think you will need to treat your strop initially since it is new. Some folks like to rub the palm of their hand back and forth along it to "prep" it before they begin a strop session. I have personally found this to work nicely. There may be other opinions on this issue, but down the road a bit, some conditioning of the strop may be in order to preserve it. Concerning the x pattern method or as you mention, alternating the blade, I think the x pattern may be your best option on a 2" strop. Having said this, equally important is having the proper technique so as not to roll your edge or damage your strop. Best to take things slowly at first and make certain there is not too much if any pressure on the blade itself. The blade is basically along for the ride and the spine is the driver. Better slow and steady than fast and sloppy. There is soooo much information here on this site concerning the details and techniques of using your strop. If you have not done so, a quick search would be certainly worthwhile.

Best Regards
Kenny

Thanks kenny, I've done a lot of reading but have to admit it's much more difficult than it appears to be. Everyone make it look so easy.

In regards to the different leathers, everything I've read has been about one being leather the other canvas, so should I treat the softer leather as the equivalent to the canvas?

You definitely do not "have to" treat the strop prior to use. I have never put anything on my strops other than my palm and my razors and that is how it will stay. Since it is 2", you will have to use an X pattern, but I think it is more important to concentrate on proper stropping technique up and down the strop keeping the spine on the strop. The x patter will come naturally once you get the hang of it.

I'm nor sure what kind of strop you are using, but I would think the thick leather would be used first followed by the softer/thin leather??? Not sure though based on your strop.

Yes, it can certainly be difficult when learning to strop properly but in time and with practice, you will develop a rhythm and it will be just like riding a bike. IMO, it is best to start slow and go for "quality not quantity" as they say.

Without knowing the type of leather used in your strop it is difficult to make any factual statements about the two pieces that you have. However, based on what you have described I would assume that the thinner/softer piece of leather is more than likely the one that you would use for your finishing/final strop laps. The canvas is an important part of keeping your razor edge in good sharp condition but not considered an equivalent to the softer leather used for a final edge. It is on the other hand another tool that you should at some point soon, have in your arsenal. I should also point out that there are varied types of "canvas" out there that will produce different results. Lots of good options out there to choose from but SRD offers some really good stuff. Might be worth taking a look. It is certainly a lifelong learning process for all of us straight users and takes time and patience to get a grasp on it all. The good news is, SRP and its members offer you an excellent resource of information right at your fingertips. Just think of a subject and do a quick search in the tool bar and you will be amazed at how much you can glean from past thread as well as WIKI.

Best Regards
Kenny