Thread: Mastro Livi Loom strop

Is the linen treated with CrOx side of his strop intended to be used every single time pre-leather stroping? Or is it meant to be used only occasionally as a part of refreshing process?

if it is Chrox it should only be for refreshing

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Not sure I can accurately answer your question about whether it can or should be used everytime you shave. I would generally recommend a light stropping on linen and the a proper stropping on plain leather. If the razor seems to pull a bit, then I would revert to stropping on the CrOx loom strop for about 10 - 15 strokes or as needed to get rid of the pulling.

Any method warrants a degree of experimentation so that you can determine for yourself the best course of action. Patience is the watch word.

Yes, only for occasional use when needed.

Originally Posted by mrsell63

Any method warrants a degree of experimentation so that you can determine for yourself the best course of action. Patience is the watch word.

Differing blade steels will obviously react differently to the process. Hasten slowly! "Softly, softly, catchey monkey!"
~Richard

IME chrom-ox is beneficial in adding a bit of keenness, or in smoothing out a harsh edge. I only used it for those purposes, not for daily maintenance. That Livi loom is quite the luxurious tool.

The leather on the loom gives new meaning to the term "soft as butter".

Depends on the blade. Mastro Livi's blades usually only need the skin side of the strop. Both Mastro Livi and Howard Schecter believe in maintenance every 7-10 shaves do 5 laps on the chromium oxide before it needs a real refresh. On other razors, some hold an edge longer or less so if you feel more comfortable waiting until it starts to tug and do a refresh with stones or just chromium oxide then thats fine. I agree with thebigspendur, I haven't seen any strop with that "soft as butter" feel. I have to be very careful because there is almost no resistance.

Love the stag handle. Really tempted to contact Masto Livi to get one. Got a razor with stag scales and its amazing.