Gentlemen,

I prefer genuine linen over other materials as the strop's second component. Nothing beats the feel of genuine linen. Still, the only time I use use the cotton or linen component is after honing and before going to lather — I learned this from Lynn. For the daily shave, I use only leather.

These days, though, I use the Mastro Livi loom strop and finish on the palm of my hand. I dare say, the Mastro Livi is an incredible strop and I have not experienced anything like it. About 20 strokes on the skin side does it before my daily shave, plus palm stropping. When I feel the razor needs it, I do about 10 strokes on the CrO coated side before going to the skin side for 20 strokes.