Thread: Help! Strop damaged or ok?

I just this minute recieved my First straight razor set.
As I was opening everything I could see through the plastic wrapper that the strop had a few indentations running horizontally across the strop's leather.

These marks look almost as if someone pushed down on the leather with a pen or possibly a fingernail. There are no cuts or tares yet being brand new to this sport I don't want to risk using the strop if this may cause problems. Input is greatly appreciated

Thanks!

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'd check with the supplier and ask for a replacement. Any reputable seller would be glad to do so.

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!

Thanks for the prompt reply. It doesn't seem to be a major mark. I just wanted to be sure it's ok before I went and opened it.

I tried to snap a pic but with the plastic on its impossible to show.

What brand of strop is it?

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.

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