Thread: Using only a leather strop

So, after four nothns or so of straight razor shaving, I have been using a strop with only a leather side. An I making a big mistake by not having one with a linen or cloth of some sort on the reverse side?

No, It is not really necessary.
I rarely use the linen.
Many years ago I found that I could just use leather - for a while. When the edge is not coming back like it used to, its time for the linen. You can use leather alone again for a bit then linen again till the linen stops working its magic. Then its time for a touch up on the hones.
Some use linen first all the time, to each his own. Whatever you like and works best for you.

Okay, another couple of questions. The leather on my strop is sort like suede. Does that matter? Instead of linen, could one use jeans?

Originally Posted by Elnones

Okay, another couple of questions. The leather on my strop is sort like suede. Does that matter? Instead of linen, could one use jeans?

I have only used suede a few times and didn't find it as effective (Kanayama).
Suede seems to be more a European thing. It is great for cleaning the blade.
IMO a harder leather surface is a better option. I do not believe jeans would be a comparable substitute to a good linen.
Actual linen, not cotton or other secondary is very effective. It has abrasive built into it naturally.
Cotton works fine too.

Thanks for the prompt answers. I really appreciate it.

I do 10 passes on linen before leather and after shaving to clean and reset the edge. Don’t know if it actually accomplishes anything, but it seems to work for me.

For more “scientific” info, check out the Science of Sharp page on stropping

https://scienceofsharp.com/2014/08/1...-stropping-do/

Originally Posted by DZEC

I do 10 passes on linen before leather and after shaving to clean and reset the edge. Don’t know if it actually accomplishes anything, but it seems to work for me.

For more “scientific” info, check out the Science of Sharp page on stropping

https://scienceofsharp.com/2014/08/1...-stropping-do/

Thanks for this.

Linen is good to have. It will help prolong the life on an edge once it starts to fade. Hemp fiber is also effective. I too would recommend getting a smooth, top grain leather for final stage stropping.

I use suede for after shave stropping and drying of the blade after cleaning and drying on toilet paper.

When I was young and had my first straight razor, I used just leather. It seemed to keep my edge going for quite some time. I was quite young and did not have a lot to shave.

I don't use any fabric or fiber component, just leather. Veg tanned cowhide, steer hide, horsehide or horse shell, all are great, and according to many, kangaroo, as well. No suede for me, thank you. I think a good piece of 8 oz veg tanned top grain leather free of wrinkles, creases or range marks, is the superior strop. Some prefer Latigo though I don't care for it myself.