Thread: To sharp

I started using strops and have a SRD modular strop, Mastro Livi Loom Strop, TM and SRD strops. After reading comments about after shave stropping, I started using my SRD modular strop with rough leather to clean the strop, then I go to the 15 laps on the fabric on the TM strop and then the 40 laps on the leather. I noticed the edge looks good but the shave is harsh and irritating. I am using the same creams and didn't get this results when using my Mastro Livi loom strop. Today, I did 10 laps on my Escher under running water after the rough leather then 40 laps on the TM leather. The shave was considerably better. I am wondering if my first procedure with strops produced to sharp an edge. I have found that being sharp doesn't mean a good shave. Being sharp and smooth is what I try to get.

I lean more towards an issue with stropping, rather than producing too keen of an edge. You may have juuuust rolled it a hair.

I would repeat the process and go from there. I typically do around 30 laps on both linen and leather post shave. At least double that pre-shave

Agreed. Strops are not known to sharpen an edge, but they can damage one if not used carefully. Took me a while to train myself to use light pressure on strops. I'm sure this must be common with beginners.

Originally Posted by Speedster

Agreed. Strops are not known to sharpen an edge.

I believe this to be true unless the strop in question has an abrasive on it. This can happen quite by accident by cross contamination, storing treated and untreated strops together, or purchasing a pre-owned strop that has previously been charged or contaminated.
I don't own a Livi strop but doesn't one side of that loom have a CrOx charged fabric component?
The use of a strop like that can result in an edge that is notably sharper and for some harsh.

Originally Posted by jkatzman

I am wondering if my first procedure with strops produced to sharp an edge. I have found that being sharp doesn't mean a good shave. Being sharp and smooth is what I try to get.

I very much doubt you made the razor sharper with the strop. They just don't work that way.
More likely you damaged the edge somehow. Random particles on the rough leather or too much pressure for that particular razor are possibilities.

I agree, when you have an issue with an edge, rough shave or cuts, stop and look at the edge, with magnification.

Chances are it is micro-chipping.

If you use a paddle strop, watch the pressure. It is very easy to apply too much downward pressure and roll the edge. Once rolled it can easily break off and cause a chipped edge, that will feel harsh or draw blood.

Look at the edge after the Thuringian, depending on the damage 10 laps may not be enough to bring it back.

I called my old barber friend and asked what could be causing the poor shave. He said exactly what Mastro Livi said, "do not under any circumstances use course material to strop a razor. He said linen's weave is tighter and finer and doesn't degrade the blade. I said I use a rough leather on a paddle strop after shaving and he said that is fine because it is soft and flexible. He said to go back to the Mastro Livi loom strop, do 15-20 laps on the chromium oxide then 40 laps on the skin. I did it and the shave was smooth with no irritation. He then said after the shave, use the flexible leather then the leather strop. Again a very smooth irritation free shave. I can't wait to get the fire hose line strop I ordered to see how that works.

Hmmm...so which material do you think was causing the problem?

I am now using a fire hose strop that came in soft where as the webbing material that came with my SRD and TM is courser and harder. I now agree with Mastro Livi that the course and stiff material will degrade the edge. I also do not do more then 10 laps on the fire hose. It's supposed to clean the edge so more then that isn't really necessary. I will say the edge is really polished and the shave considerably better after the fire hose and my TM strops doing 40 laps.