Thread: Strop and paste or no paste...?

My strop came with instructions that say not to use a strop dressing. It's a Vintage Blades Latigo. Do I need to add anthing to it or will it work fine without it? They do say to rub it with the palm of your hand.

Thanks, Jon

When its young leather its probably fine as it is and you really don't need any paste.
Just use it for a while and if it does not have enough draw after a month, you can still add some.

When you say dressing are you referring to a conditioner for the strop (leather) or a paste, such as an abrasive?

For now, add neither. A paste is going to alter the strop for good. I think... If I am wrong in my terminology, do forgive. I'm thinking of abrasive Dovo pastes and pasting a strop. This adds a "grit" to the surface of the strop. Many do this to a linen or cheaper strop. They still have a plain leather strop though. The now pasted one is used almost as a light hone or touch up, periodically.

Your main strop..many manufactuers will have different suggestions. Basically, the treating of the leather is much like you did to your baseball glove or boots with saddle soap. It moistens (not best word) conditions and softens the leather. Many strops come to you already conditioned. The oils in your skin (palm) will keep it where it needs to be.

So it comes down to is this your strop for everyday stropping?

I've only shaved twice so yes, this is the strop I use every day (I'm new to this). The instructions I got said it should not need any additional treatment before use, not even a strop dressing. Keep it clean, dry, and rub it with your palm daily. It goes on to talk about why they chose this leather, for the special tanning process used, and the waxes and oils in it will produce the optimal draw for a razor strop. My guess is that they don't want me to use anything on it but I didn't know if I should anyways. I guess if it continues to give me a nice shave I'll leave it alone.

Thanks for the feedback, Jon