Is it effective? Is it as good, bit worse or a lot worse than using a regular strop? Does the belt have to be veg tanned or it doesn't matter? Which side of the belt should I use? What other things should I keep in mind?
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Is it effective? Is it as good, bit worse or a lot worse than using a regular strop? Does the belt have to be veg tanned or it doesn't matter? Which side of the belt should I use? What other things should I keep in mind?
From everything I have read, a belt works just fine as long as it has no metal bits on it obviously. A wider belt would be better - maybe a couple inches. But as long as it's reasonably clean and in good shape, there should be no problem with it.
A couple people here have been using a belt for quite a while, and say it works fine, so I imagine it's not a *lot* worse than a purposeful strop.
I don't think tanning is necessary. As far as which side, think of its purpose. "If I were a razor-sharp blade with microscopic bits of misaligned metal I wanted straightened, which side would I use?"
Quote:
Originally Posted by MistressNomad
Damn you, I'm not a razor-sharp blade, I don't know which side they would like better :D
Han,
A leather belt will work for a strop. They are narrower than your typical strop, so you will have to perfect your X stroke to get all the edge into the program. Also, older belts tend to cup, at least those which have spent their formative years around my waist. If that's the case with yours, you'll have to work that out before stropping. Use the top, grain side and don't use one with any stitching.
good luck
Well, to my mind's eye, I wouldn't imagine using very "natural" leather would be the best. As in, the type that may still have a sort of fibrous feel to it.
I would think either totally smooth, or a gentle suede would be best. It gives an even consistency, which I think would then translate to your blade.
I wouldn't subject my razors to a pants belt. Go to a leather shop and get a proper piece of top grain cowhide 8" x 3" and glue it to a piece of floor tile.
Do your razor a favor not to mention your face.
Jerry
~~~
I like to use my belt to hold up my pants and my strop to strop my razors. Maybe I'm weird like that...
Seriously, though, each tool is designed for a specific job. You may be able to "force" one tool to do more than one job, but it will not function as well as the tool designed for the job.
All good advice. I was assuming our questioner to be operating in a minimal budget situation and was looking to make-do until greater funding was available.
:beer2:
An 8" x 3" piece of leather glued onto tile or wood is about the least expensive tool to strop a razor. holli4pirating is right to say , use the right tool for the job. I strongly agree.
Jerry
~~~
When i started SR shaving i was on a budget and used my 2" belt for a few months with pretty good success,I use a strop now but my belt let me get by till the funds grew :)
Except that... An old belt really is an 8" x 2", sometimes 3" piece of leather...Quote:
Originally Posted by mrsell63
As a kid i remember my grandfather used leather belt as a strop, so when i started with straights i did the same too. Had about 2 inch wide Russian army leather belt and it worked ok.
Nowadays i have a real strop about 2,5 inch wide. Easier to use because of the handles.
If the belt has no cracks or bends it works as a strop as good as a real strop.
I remember exacly the same thing. I have pesonally used soft army leather belt as strop with no greater issues. Rub some olive oil into your belt if you see some cracks and you are good to go!
I hope this helps...
If you have a leather merchant / wholesaler near you - check them out.
You may find that picking out a smooth piece of leather and getting it cut to size is cheaper than using a belt. Try looking in strop forums at some of the home made strops people have done.
(Use search button)
All the best,
Michael
Although I am one for DIY projects.. and saving money !!!
You can get a good new leather strop for $20 RupRazor Filly
You can buy an Illinois Linen and Leather for $30 or less
There are more in this range too I just can't think of them at the moment
I spend that on belts easy
You should search this area of the forum for some of the "Stropping is King" threads and see just how important stropping is to a really comfortable shave...