Thread: Help! Strop damaged or ok?

It is a disparaging thing to pay good money for the apple of one’s eye only to receive something that is less than acceptable. If you like the strop and want to give it a chance do so without invasive measures. Try laying it flat on a stable surface and rub the offensive line with your knuckle in a small circular motion in an effort to relax it to smoothness. If it looks like it is responding try the smooth side of a tea spoon in the same manner or maybe a smooth glass bottle. Then try a little snake swimming motion over the mark to work the leather. Again, don’t use so much pressure that you won’t be able to return it to the vender. If it works out you are good.

If it was not new straight out of the package I would even apply a little steam from a clean gently boiling kettle to swell or relax the crushed fibers back out. But, I think that the gentle direct rubbing will most likely smooth out the problem.

Good luck.

Regards

Chasmo

@Chasmo
"It is a disparaging thing to pay good money for the apple of one’s eye only to receive something that is less than acceptable."

I couldn't have said it better myself. There is nothing worse than getting something brand new and it not being 100% perfect. Especially when I dropped well over $60 for the strop.

On the other hand, I waited like an anxious youngster on Christmas morning to receive my very first wet shaving kit. The last thing I want to do is spend another week or 2 waiting for a new one. That's so long as the strop will still work 100% and have no danger of damaging the razor or the strop even further. Like another user said, chances are I'll put more nicks in the thing myself learning how to use it.

If it were me, I'd use that strop you have there to learn on. It may turn out to be the best purchase you ever made. If not or if you hack it up, save your money while you learn stropping really well. Then purchase one from Mr. Tony Miller, Mr. Torolf Myklebust or Mr. Neil Miller. You won't be disapointed and these gentlemen are artisens of their trade, honest in their dealings and generally the kind of folks you wish lived next door.

Let us know how this all pans out.

Regards

Chasmo

Originally Posted by Zephyr

Hard to tell without seeing it, but I don't think it should be a problem. As long as it's quite small and not sticking up from the leather you should be just fine. (And hou will most likely put your own marks to it soon enough )

You can always give it a proper handrub (rub your palm up and down the strop) and see if it helps.

I concur with Zephyr! After seeing the picture, I personally see no problem with the strop!!! I say use it and Strop Till You Drop!!

Daily or multiple hand rubbings won't hurt it one bit!!! Good thing that you didn't buy a Illinois 827 as you'd freak with all of the 'ribbings' that are pressed into it from the manufacturer! However it's my go to strop after honing!

Keep it, use it and enjoy it!!

Yeah, I agree. I don't think there is anything wrong with it at all, really.

I'd also agree about a Neil Miller strop. I have an English Bridle and linen strop from him and it's a work of art. Very beautiful, lovely draw on the leather and the linen is wonderful and smooth. The hardware is excellent as is the workmanship. I use it only on Sundays for my bedroom shaving stand shaves. BTW, you should see my daily stop; you'd be shocked at the condition yet it works fine!