Thread: Canvas/cotton strop

As all of us, I have linen, cotton, canvas, latigo and horsehide strops. My question is this, when I am shaving, I will strop with the canvas/cotton strop and then with the latigo strop. Do I have to strop with the latigo also or would the canvas/cotton be enough? Juan.

I would strop on whatever fabric component gives you the best results and then follow that up with passes on your latigo. After that you should be able to proceed to your daily shave. I'm sure that each fabric probably has it's own distinct characteristic and would help in certain circumstances especially when you notice that the edge is falling below your usual quality then some passes on a "coarser" fabric might help revive that edge back.

Cheers,

JF

Actually Juan, You should go to the leather every time, after your fabric component. The thinking is, at least some of it, The fabric kinds of warms up, or prepares the blade for the leather, the finishing aspect of honing. If I had to leave one out, it'd be the fabric, and only use the leather...

I'm getting very good shaves, and my blades are really holding their edges. I do 30 on fabric, and 60 on Leather. I've been given a new honing system to try, (from Glen) and none of my blades are dull...I had to get someone elses blades, so I could try this new system....

Let me re phrase that, I see there's some confusion....Glen gave me a new honing system to try...The Naniwa system...

Rich

It is also good to start with the canvas/cotton as if there is any dirt on the blade it will end up on the cotton/canvas and not on the strop.

If you have a new honing system share with the rest of us. I am always looking to improve my honing. It is true that the canvas warms up the blade and also cleans the edge. I will incorporate the canvas/latigo routine in my shaving. Juan.