Thread: Whipped Dog - Poor Man 'Flawed' Strop Kit

I thought some of you might like to see more pics of a 'flawed' Poor Man Strop Kit from Whipped Dog. This is my first 'real' strop, so my opinions shouldn't be taken too seriously. The strop hasn't been oiled yet, but I've used it a couple of times. The kit seems like a good value for the money. I think what got it in the 'flawed' category was the uneven cuts at the top (around the square hole) and the cuts in the square hole were a little long. #
I had never used a balsa strop before, so it has been nice to have another stropping medium available besides leather. It isn't in the picture, but the kit also came with extra compound for the balsa strop (red and green), a hook, and a packet of Neatsfoot oil.
Probably the only issue is 'speed bumps' (wrinkles) in the strop. This may have been a product of the week it spent in an envelope during transit. That, and the edge got a little 'rolled' in one spot. If I ordered the kit again, I would offer to pay extra to have it shipped in a box (and maybe wrapped loosely without a rubber band). I asked Larry if he thought oiling would help with the 'bumps' and he said he thought it would probably help some.

Thanks for the strop kit and good communication Larry.

You might try rubbing the strop with something hard and flat; a non-seamed section of a glass bottle can work well. Or you can work it with your hand. But if you can't get rid of the bumps, I wouldn't suggest stropping a razor on it.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

You might try rubbing the strop with something hard and flat; a non-seamed section of a glass bottle can work well. Or you can work it with your hand. But if you can't get rid of the bumps, I wouldn't suggest stropping a razor on it.

I put a piece of tape at the top of each seam so I don't have to look for them each time.

Putting fairly warm water in your bottle (you do need a screw-on cap) also seems to speed up the process.

As said, I would not put a razor on that leather. JMO

I'm sorry to say I think you got what you paid for...a poor strop. I would not put a razor to that strop if I intended to put that razor to my face, unless I wanted my face to look like that strop.

Don't oil it (or any strop)....return it as you received it.

I think WD serves a great purpose for those just starting out or those on a tight budget,nothing wrong with that.
But I learned long ago with machine tools,buy once cry once,some things you cannot skimp on.

I dont think that strop can be fixed. I certainly would not use it the way it is. Perhaps Neil can give you some advice, he just helped me advising me on how to finish an unfinished edge on a strop I picked up.
I like Larry but I really dont think its right to sell that strop the way it is. Maybe thats ok for a knife strop , I dont know. If it is maybe thats what he is thinking but no way Id use any of my razors on that.

Well he bought it as a "flawed poor mans strop". Thus the flaw was made known. Its not like WD tried saying it was a perfectly fine strop ready to make your edges as smooth as angel's feathers. The strop can be fixed. You can sand it down smooth and progressively go to finer grits and finish with rubbing a little neatsfoot and burnishing with a bottle. Iwasaki had a similar way of refacing strops but it involved soaking in gasoline first and that just seems dangerous.

Thats a 2$ cheap pce of leather,no amt of sanding will fix it,return it or toss it in the trash.

That is a terrible surface. The regular poor man strop I bought ages ago looked nothing like that. It was at least flat and smooth.

Return it and buy a real strop. I have said it elsewhere but here goes.

A strop is possibly the most important tool in straight shaving. Your razor touches the strop more than anything else and it is always the last step before putting blade to face. Stropping can either make or break your edge(literally), it is NOT the place to skimp a few dollars. I reccomend purchasing the nicest strop you can afford, you will not regret it. If your technique is not good yet purchase an Illinois or other 25-40$ strop like a star shaving or TM plain vanilla.

Once you have proper technique you should be using the most expensive/highest quality strop you can afford. It will improve your shaves more than any new razors/stones or even professional honing jobs. None of that matters if your strop is poor quality, you will never have that perfect edge.

Stropping on high quality shell or cordovan feels amazing also, besides the improved results. I enjoy stropping as much or more than honing since purchasing my Red Imp. My edges have also never been better. I thought my other shell strops were fine but the Imp blows them out of the water.