Thread: Help! Strop damaged or ok?

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

If you can feel it with your nail the razor will too and that's bad. Since it's brand new I'd get a new one.

I've added a pic to better illustrate my concern.
Let me know if this is what you were picturing.

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