Thread: Nick in leather, will this affect preformance?

Just recieved my new 3" buffalo. & linen strop. I noticed these two nicks. Will this affect the razors edge? I don't wanna,send it back if it's gonna be okay to use. I'm assuming it will be fine, but I'm no expert.



Roughly 4.5" from the handle.

From the picture it looks like these nicks are approximately two inches from the end of the strop. If that's the case, it probably won't affect the strop function. However, if it was mine, I would contact the supplier and ask them. Hopefully, they will make a determination for you on whether to replace the strop or not.

if you are going to keep the strop you can glue those down with little bit of rubber cement. Stick it down let it dry and then take any extra glue off by brushing away from the fla direction with a white eraser .

Those nicks don't look much deeper than the grain in the leather. But, if it's right in the middle of your lap? It would drive me crazy if I could feel it. If you spent a lot on it contact the seller. If your just learning it may wind up being the first of many. Your call.

Originally Posted by 10Pups

Those nicks don't look much deeper than the grain in the leather. But, if it's right in the middle of your lap? It would drive me crazy if I could feel it. If you spent a lot on it contact the seller. If your just learning it may wind up being the first of many. Your call.

Since its removable, I've contacted the seller to see if he can send a replacement panel, so I can swap it out. It's a bit of OCD thing. My only real concern is it's effect on the razors edge. I would think it's minimal given the grain.

I'm gonna be swapping out my Scottish Shell for this one. Hopefully it is a worthwhile choice.

You can always start your stropping stroke after the nick. I just sand them out if they are small nicks and if they are bigger cuts I would as rezdog mentioned use rubber cement or personally I have used crazy glue.

Originally Posted by 10Pups

Those nicks don't look much deeper than the grain in the leather. But, if it's right in the middle of your lap? It would drive me crazy if I could feel it. If you spent a lot on it contact the seller. If your just learning it may wind up being the first of many. Your call.

I agree with Pups... The feel of that would drive me crazy regardless of whether it had any negative impact on the performance.

Did you buy that new? And received it that way? If so, return it.

If you bought it pre-owned, it's another story. I would repair it and see how it feels. It looks to be a very small, shallow nick and it should be pretty easy to repair it.

Originally Posted by lethalgraphix

Since its removable, I've contacted the seller to see if he can send a replacement panel, so I can swap it out. It's a bit of OCD thing. My only real concern is it's effect on the razors edge. I would think it's minimal given the grain.

I'm gonna be swapping out my Scottish Shell for this one. Hopefully it is a worthwhile choice.

Swapping out your Scottish Shell for that?! I would only do that if your shell strop is severely compromised. The one you pictured has a very textured (for most strops) surface, it has wrinkle lines in it, the tab is put on at an angle and the marks are well into your clear stropping length.

BUT - its your opinion that counts. It may give a superlative edge - only a person who has used it can say it does, though.

Regards,
Neil

Originally Posted by Neil Miller

Swapping out your Scottish Shell for that?! I would only do that if your shell strop is severely compromised. The one you pictured has a very textured (for most strops) surface, it has wrinkle lines in it, the tab is put on at an angle and the marks are well into your clear stropping length.

BUT - its your opinion that counts. It may give a superlative edge - only a person who has used it can say it does, though.

Regards,
Neil

I feel the Shell has an extremely fast draw. I've tried conditioning, but it's still super slick (effortless) unless tilhis is normal and prefered. The other reason is the buffalo is a 3", and the shell is 2.5".
I thought it wod be better.

Shell is supposed to have a very slick, near effortless draw, which makes stropping seem fast - you should always keep it under control, though, to prevent injury to the strop.

Whether or not it is the preferred draw is up to you. Many say it is and it is part of the reason why so many people appreciate Shell strops. Others prefer a mild draw or a heavier draw. In many ways it is a personal thing. I myself may use a medium draw strop to bring the razor's edge up quickly, then finish on shell.

Also 3 inch wide strops are not essential - they are a luxury item. They do not do anything better than a 2.5, 2.25 or 2 inch strop - they just get the job done a bit quicker. While you might think you would just draw the razor up and down, it is a better thing to use a kind of 'x' stroke, the 2.5 inch strop is excellent for this, while thinner strops practically force you to use this stroke.

The buffalo strop may well be better for you - if you can get a new panel then by all means do so. I would compare the buffalo against the shell before you get rid off the shell, though. Can't beat a side-by-side comparison.

I wish you luck,
Neil