Thread: Strop wears out?

have you tried shaving straight off the hones without stropping yet?

Yea, if it's smooth and clean with no imperfections the strop is not the place to look. It's something you are doing.

Since you've been 'using it for 25 years' does it feel any different when you're stropping ? You say you 'keep it moist'. What do you use for that purpose ? Some leather treatments, such as neatsfoot oil, increase draw (resistance) and can be too much of a good thing if used too liberally. In general the default SRP advice given for 'treating' a strop is rubbing it with your palm once in awhile. Oil from your hand will be beneficial and won't change the draw to speak of.

I will buy that, but what? I have successfully used it, and my previous strop, since I was 18. Something has changed. Have I forgotten how to use my stones and strop? Yes, I have shaved straight from a stone.

That is the problem. It does not feel any different than it did in the past. Everything seems the same, except for the results!

Something has changed, and your going to have to figure it out eh? I think it maybe something you haven't thought of yet or everybody else would have more suggestions as to how to fix it. Lap the hone ? It's the only thing I haven't heard yet. You using a new soap or face prep different ?

Are you using the same razor? It's possible that you've gotten into some crumbly steel in the blade.
If you're stropping multiple razors and they all get worse from the stropping, then it's obviously the strop or your stropping technique.

I am using the same razor. It is a Pearl King. Of course, the greatest razor I ever used was a Thiers-Issard from La France cutlery, but it was ruined a long time ago.

What is your honing process ? Are you sure the bevel is set ?

The bevel was set. I do not know if it is still set. I have never set a bevel. When I hone, I move the blade criss/cross diagonally a few strokes, then test it. If needs be (and of late they have), I will do this again and again.