Thread: How to prepare a strop for first use?

Hi,

I just purchased my first strop off Amazon. Amazon.com: Fromm Razor Strop 2 1/2" X 23" W/HDL Russia: Health & Personal Care

Fromm Razor Strop 2 1/2" X 23" W/HDL Russia

It seems a little rough on the leather side. Can I use this strop out of the box without treating it in some way?

thanks,
Rob

Historically, my pre first-use strop ceremony has consisted of a series of ritualistic incantations while a circle of Hooters waitresses dance in unison and throw hot wings at my feet.

Or was that what happend Saturday night...


Strops are usually fine out of the box. Might wanna run your palm accross it a few times, to break it in a little.

That is an Illinois #827, Fromm is the parent company, it is supposed to be a little nappy, that is the "Russian" designation it mean they use the rough side of the leather, this are excellent strops and they work very well.. Just a bit of palm rubbing before you strop or shower is very good for it.. There is plenty of oils left in them so you should not need anymore...
The Fromm strop dressing is also a good product but you shouldn't need it for 6 months to 1 year if ever...

Originally Posted by 94Terp

Historically, my pre first-use strop ceremony has consisted of a series of ritualistic incantations while a circle of Hooters waitresses dance in unison and throw hot wings at my feet.

Or was that what happend Saturday night...


Strops are usually fine out of the box. Might wanna run your palm accross it a few times, to break it in a little.

Funniest post I've read here!

Palm rubbing is all I do to condition strops.

FYI - because the stropping surface is the bottom grain it will give a different sound when stropping toward you vs. away from you.
Don't let it drive you nuts - that is normal for that kind of strop and doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong.

Palm rubbing is a good idea. Do it regularly. It will provide some conditioning to the leather from the oils in your hand. However, all you need to do to prepare a strop for use is nothing. Just use it. If you want you could put a conditioner on it but gently flexing the strop along the horizontal axis will suffice. Note: I did not say fold it.