Thread: I really don't know what I need.

So I'v been straight razor shaving for probably close to a year now. The first strop I bought was The Filly from ruprazor.com. I'm asking my mom for a new strop for Christmas, I figured I'll stick with ruprazor.com, I wanted to upgrade to the El Toro.

So that 40 bucks there, I was going to upgrade to the 2 1/2 strop since its no extra, now I was going to get the canvas strop along with it but I don't know exactly what its used for, so if you guys would let me know whats the canvas is used for, also if its worth the extra 5 bucks to get the D-ring on the canvas too.

Also if you could tell me if this strop comes with the compound already on it.

I appreciate all the help you guys can give me.

-Zach

If you don't want the Dee ring you don't need it, but it does look to me like you pay extra for the dee on the leather too. So it seems that what you get for the least amount of money is a strop with the old fashioned barbers grip.
Dee rings are a fairly cheap item depending on some variables, but I've not paid more than AU$6.50 for a fairly heavy one. A standard cost is about $2. Add in that the bloke has got to make a small profit for his efforts at attaching them and you could easily say it is worth $5 of your money for 15 mins or so of his time.
In the end you choose what you feel will be most comfortable for you. I would go for the Dees as that would be my personal preference.

Good luck, and I hope Santa gives you something nice in that Yule stocking.


Mick

I do think I'm going to get the D rings because it gives me somthing to hold onto, I seem to remember hitting the razor into my fingers before using The Filly, but whats the canvas strop for and everything?

The canvas is used for the rough polish while the leather is used for the finishing polish on the edge. The canvas is the general rough maintenence and is good for a couple of laps at the end of the shave to ensure the blade is free from remaining flecks of soap scum, helps to dry the razors edge etc.
In general you would give the razor about 20 laps on canvas followed by 60 on leather, before the shave as general maintenance, and to ensure you get the best shave potential from your razor. This would then be followed up by a few swipes on the canvas and a few on the leather at the end of the shave.
You don't need pastes on your new strop, if you want a pasted strop, then I would suggest you paste the old one for that sort of extra finish to honing.
Others with more experience feel free to jump in and help explain this better. I don't actually use paste on my own strops. I don't see the need for it as I get damn fine shaves from a c12k (when they need it) finishing off on 'roo hide.


Mick

Definitely no paste... yet.

Wide is good... narrow not so much.

Buy as new as you can afford.

my two cents.

The canvas side is used before the plain leather side just before each and every shave. As mentioned, 20 canvas /60 leather is a good number.

The function of the canvas/linen side has been discussed here a lot and no consensus has been reached . It still remains an individual choice.

I found it interesting that most of the vintage strops have a canvas component. They must have known what worked.

If I were you, I would purchase the canvas/linen side and give it a try.

Good Stuff here on what the Canvas does. I enjoy my 3" Latigo leather strop which comes with a canvas strop. I always invest in good tools because they will take good care of you and that has been my experience in straight shaving.

Welcome to SRP!

Pabsteer