New strop

Hello again everyone.

Just got a new (relatively cheap) hanging strop in the mail. The strop consists of two separate belts approx 40cm long, one with smooth leather on one side and cow-side on the other, while the other is rough on both sides, but still clearly leather. However, the rough belt and the back of the smooth belt are very rough. Feels dry and almost like sandpaper.

Having never handled a strop before, does this sound normal? Is there something that I should do to soften the back of the leather?
and finally: what is the purpose of the second belt? Should I be applying CrOx or diamond paste to it?

Thanks once again,
Joel.

Some pics would definatley help here! What make is the strop? Is it new or vintage?

From your description, I would guess that the only surfaces that you are supposed to use are the outside ones. So you would strop on one side, flip the strop, then strop on the other.

You would start with the rougher leather first, and then move onto the smooth side. I tend to do 25 rough, then 50 - 60 smooth before each shave.

If the leather feels like sandpaper and you think it could damage the edge (easy to do), I would say dont use it. It may be that you need to get some strop dressing onto it to soften the leather slightly.

In the mean time, you can rub the leather with the palm of your hand, as the oils in your skin will also treat the leather.

The rough side can be treated with paste, but dont put CrOx or diamond paste on your daily strop. The only thing I would ever consider using on a daily strop is chalk paste, but if the leather is rough you probably wont need it..!

I wouldnt put anything on your strop for the time being. Later on you can get a second strop for use with pastes if you wish.

Good luck!