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.

Originally Posted by JimmyWetshaver

I 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.

Thanks Jimmy,

I certainly can offer some advice here.

What you need is some naptha. It is a volatile spirit, so you have to use it with caution. Old timers probably know it best as Ronson Lighter Fluid, it came/comes in a yellow can with a red plastic spout that acts both to seal the can and to pour the fluid. It is what you use for zippo style lighters.

Now find a place outdoors where the fumes from the naptha can disperse freely without harm. Take some corrugated card, the same xize as the strop and three times wider, and fold it three times so it is approximately tne width of the strop. Liberally apply the naptha to it, then place the strop on top. Apply what remains in the can to the surface of the strop, then ignite with a match (safest option) or your zippo lighter if you dont like your hairy hands. Tossing the zippo lighter while it has a flame going onto the pile as they have a propensity to do in the movies is just wasteful and you should refrain from this questionable practice.

Once the flaming inferno has subside, tread the mass into ashes and let them be transported by the four winds to the remotest parts of the globe.

I trust that you will find that said erstwhile strop will never threaten to injure another razor.

Regards, Neil