Thread: SRD secondary material

I don't think the poly clean's the micro gunk off the edge after a shave very well. Think about it, poly doesn't have pores or fibers like the natural materials like cotton/flax. Personal preference in the end I guess...

I agree with TC on this one; each secondary strop material works equally well from my perspective, and I cannot discern a difference between SRD cotton, poly, and pressed wool excepting their feel and sound.

I like the thought that the cotton might clean micro-ly better. Ill have to look into this flax linen. Not that im in need of another strop but...
Thanks for the replys.

I find Hemp, linen, and poly to have abrasive qualities that are missing in cotton. Hemp and linen fibers are known to have a higher silicon content than cotton. When I first tried poly I was all set to hate it, but I figured I would keep an open mind. Now I really like it, though I use far fewer laps than with hemp or linen as it is far more effective IME.

I've found them all to do the same thing too. I prefer the flax just for tradition and feel but I've used the poly and canvas and the end result is a wash with them all.

I find hemp, ....nevermind, I forgot what I was going to say...

Being serious for a moment, I have most of the common materials, and prefer the nubbier fabrics. The poly seems too "zippy" for my taste, and I do feel (with absolutely no evidence) that the rougher woven cloths "scrub and polish" the edge more than the poly. I have no high end secondary material, but my favorite strop is my newest, bought last year, and is an Heirloom Artisan Premium fast Bridle with a cotton flip side. I love it, and unlike many, I love stropping. I strop the bejesus our of my razors before shaving and give them a good stropping afterwards.