Thread: Illinois Razor Strop 827 Imperial Russia

Being a novice with the equipment and use of straight razors I wanted to ask a person of knowledge what they did with this strop. It was economical and appears that way also/rubber backing and a fine weave linen finish--Barbers Best. Recommendations please prior to using--I have a nicer strop (quality) I am currently using and also waiting on buff hide.

thanks--RickD

Its a nice but cheap strop (a rarety but not unique)
Huh what was your question?

http://straightrazorpalace.com/strop...low-price.html

what did you do to break in--it is not a smooth strop for sure--neatsfoot oil----what did you do with the linen--paste or? thanks

Nothing on the linen side, a drop of Fromms strop dressing on the leather.

I love this strop and it is not "cheap". Has a nice draw to me! American made!!! I bought this strop because it seemed to be the only one with a true linen not nylon or something... I'm just a traditionalist I guess...

Enjoy!!! ...

Originally Posted by RickD

what did you do to break in--it is not a smooth strop for sure--neatsfoot oil----what did you do with the linen--paste or? thanks

IMO never paste your daily linen or leather. Always reserve the paste for a strop that is only to be used when necessary to refresh an edge that may be beginning to need a little extra. Some guys also use paste or spray following honing to add sharpness.

Also just IMO for a new stropper paste, spray or chrom ox is better used on a flatbed or paddle than on a hanging strop. The length of the hanging strop and the ease of overdoing it is less on a paddle or flatbed. I've not used the Illinois Russian strop but I seem to remember reading that some guys get good results with them.

The 827 is russian leather meaning the "smooth " side is the flesh side of the leather pressed flat

If it gives you a rough feeling when hand rubbing you can try neetsfoot oil (I usually use Dovo yellow) and hand rubbing again
On the linen i did nothing, the weave and stiffness does not make any problems AFIK
Yet stopping at a slight angle to avoid the bumpy ride has become a habit

so i can put some (small amount of dovo raxor strop leather conditioner on the strop and or neatfoot oil and rub in, correct?

thanks in advance

Originally Posted by jeffegg2

Nothing on the linen side, a drop of Fromms strop dressing on the leather.

I love this strop and it is not "cheap". Has a nice draw to me! American made!!! I bought this strop because it seemed to be the only one with a true linen not nylon or something... I'm just a traditionalist I guess...

Enjoy!!! ...

the leather was just riggy if that is a word compared to and i appreciate you help---i do not have fromms but do have some dovo conditioner and neatsfoot oil.

Originally Posted by janivar123

The 827 is russian leather meaning the "smooth " side is the flesh side of the leather pressed flat

If it gives you a rough feeling when hand rubbing you can try neetsfoot oil (I usually use Dovo yellow) and hand rubbing again
On the linen i did nothing, the weave and stiffness does not make any problems AFIK
Yet stopping at a slight angle to avoid the bumpy ride has become a habit

i have dovo red and dovo black, not yellow--------what would they do and their use my friend.

thanks in advance

did the leather on yours look like little ridges? the one i have has a rubber looking back. again i have the dovo conditioner and dovo red and black but not yellow---advice once again--thanks