Thread: Strop Surface Pits

Just received a brand new strop to supplement a red latigo I got from SRD a few years ago, and I noticed that the surface of this new strop has some small surface pits in the leather.

Should these worry me at all? I don't feel them at all when stropping, and they are mostly concentrated on one end of the strop, however I can't help but feel the surface should be more "perfect", but I've only ever seen or used the latigo strop prior to this, so my frame of reference is extremely limited.

It was a little hard to get a picture of them, but I was able to catch a few of them in some reflected light.

Anyone? Is this within the range of "normal and expected" and "no big deal / don't worry about it"?
The initial strop test did improve the edge sharpness over my old red latigo, but it's hard to say if that's due to the difference in strop or the fact that the same edge just received more stropping after the latigo. At least it didnt make it worse I suppose.

Also, should I be worried about that little edge bump\dent? Cant feel that either.

I don't see any reason for concern as those appear to me to be minor blemishes especially since you don't feel them. I've used a lot worse looking and got good results.

We none, as humans are perfect, especially skin wise. Thats what my dermatologist tells me. If, as you say, you seem to be getting a better edge than the latigo, all the better, no worry. In most cases it is basically cosmetic. If it of of major concern contact the seller (I'm assuming it was from SRD), they certainly will know the answer and do what is necessary to keep you pleased, one way or another. I'm currently using an old Russian horse membrane strop with surface dings and edge bumps and am having great results from it. Keep us updated on what happens next.

Shave safely

Nothing to worry about IMO...

Just give it a good rub with the palm of your hand and go to work!

WP34

thanks for the sanity check everyone and confirming what i was thinking!

in reality, I'm fine with the pits, gives it a little character and integrity

As long as you can't feel them as you strop it should be OK.

Just consider that is one of the reasons some strops cost more than others.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Just consider that is one of the reasons some strops cost more than others.

With that in mind, and still on topic with the original thread topic here, can anyone chime in if this would bother them?
The backside shows a feature on the animal hide that is creating a depression\low-spot on the front side.
I can definitely feel this one. It's also dead smack centered on the length and on the right edge. And I'm right handed.

I seriously was not expecting to find anything like this on a strop that costs more than the one in the first picture in my first post.

"defect" on back of stropping surface


created low-spot from the defect above (super hard to capture in a photo)