Thread: Odd question about strops

This might seem rather odd, but I have a simple question. I purchased the "poor man's strop" from Whipped Dog. I put plenty of nicks in it while learning to strop my razors. Therefore, I began to use the rough side of the leather for stropping. Is there anything inherently wrong with using the other side? I continue to get a good shave, but wonder if it is making it worse or helping. Thanks in advance.

From my own experience the rough side is not as smooth of a shave. I use the rough side instead of a fabric sometimes and then go onto the smooth leather.

Sounds like you may have answered your own question. If the shave feels good...?

Originally Posted by jfk742

Sounds like you may have answered your own question. If the shave feels good...?

I guess I am wondering if it could improve when I get around to replacing it, or perhaps allow me to go longer between stropping on the balsam (about once a week at this point).

How bad are the nicks in the smooth side? You may be able to sand them some. A photo would help. I have a Hoffritz strop I have used for about 30 years. It has nicks that I sanded smooth and it still is my favorite.

Originally Posted by bouschie

How bad are the nicks in the smooth side? You may be able to sand them some. A photo would help. I have a Hoffritz strop I have used for about 30 years. It has nicks that I sanded smooth and it still is my favorite.

I'll take a picture soon and post it on this thread. I nicked it up pretty good learning to use it. Thanks for the help.

Whatever works for you is fine. However, since you've learned to properly strop, you haven't had the opportunity to strop your razor on a smooth, quality piece of leather, which I'd highly recommend.

Originally Posted by lightcs1776

I'll take a picture soon and post it on this thread. I nicked it up pretty good learning to use it. Thanks for the help.

There is a reason we recommend inexpensive strops for newcomers. A "Poor Man's Strop" fits that description nicely. I suspect nearly all of us had a similar experience with our first strop; I know that I did. While you might be able to sand the nicks in your strop to salvage it, perhaps it is time for you to consider replacing it with a better strop. Hopefully, by now, your stropping skills are such that nicks are now infrequent and you can use the new strop for the rest of your life.

Thanks, RayClem. I will definitely be looking for a replacement in the next few months. I'm wondering if another "poor man's strop" is worth while or a better strop would be worth the investment. Although I love to window shop, I simply will never spend $100.00 plus on a strop.

So, what happens when you strop on the smooth, nicked side? Have you tried gluing up the cuts with rubber cement?

Stropping is an acquired skill. It probably takes about a year before most new shavers are consistently improving an edge. Up to that point it probably does not make much difference.

You can improve the rough side of the leather by scraping it smooth with a cabinet card scraper, or large sharp kitchen knife. Lay the strop flat on a counter and take short light pass with the blade held 90 degrees to the strop. As you remove the uneven leather it will get smoother and you can take longer smoother strokes. If done properly, you will end up with a finish similar to a napped suede like finish.

Once your stropping improves, buy a better-quality strop and your edges will improve further.