Thread: Barber Stone as a Strop

Gents,
Do any of you use a Barbers hone as a strop? I am going on a trip and it will be a lot more convenient to carry a barbers hone and just curious if you can use it daily?

You know, you can, I've done it, but don't recommend it.
You can use a belt, be careful, or a rolled up newspaper. If you have the means, get a small strop. The last time I went on a trip, I brought my Electric....(It was a Christmas gift, I had no choice in the matter) I survived....

How long is your trip...?

you can get by with a leg off a old pair of blue jeans as long as you keep it flat and tight

Originally Posted by zib

You know, you can, I've done it, but don't recommend it.
You can use a belt, be careful, or a rolled up newspaper. If you have the means, get a small strop. The last time I went on a trip, I brought my Electric....(It was a Christmas gift, I had no choice in the matter) I survived....

How long is your trip...?

Just curious why you don't recommend it. I've tried shaving directly off of it and doesn't seem to be any different than when I strop. Will I be taking too much metal off?

I would think daily use of a barber hone would be too much of a good thing. Besides that, a hone is a hone and a strop is a strop. They compliment each other but one doesn't replace the other. +1 on the SRD modular paddle. That is a real good option. If not that specific model any paddle, even a homemade version would be preferable. Just IMHO.

Originally Posted by volleykinginnc

Just curious why you don't recommend it. I've tried shaving directly off of it and doesn't seem to be any different than when I strop. Will I be taking too much metal off?

Like Jimmy said, A strop is a strop, etc....
Also, I think it's overkill, after all, it is a stone, not leather...even though it's fine.

As far as traveling, think about it..A loom or a paddle is rigid, Small strops can fit anywhere, in hard luggae, overnight bag, and can attach to any door knob...

I have a small Herold Solingen, it's 2" w x 24" l total...I think it would be ideal, as I said, it can conform to any piece of luggage, even carry on.

I used to recommend looms and paddles for travel, but after doing it, it's like carrying a 2 x 4 with you, too rigid for travel...IMHO...

I think it would work for a trip just fine,,,

A Barber's hone, and then hand stropping, or newspaper stropping can get you by for a long time...

You will probably find that the Barber's hone is not for everyday, maybe every other, or maybe only once a week who knows??? only you will..

What I think everyone is saying is that a dedicated travel rig is best, no doubt about it, but in a pinch you can make tons of things work well...


Want a real cheap treat, Newspaper with #2 pencil lead rubbed on it

If you have one, take a Friodur! Good for lots of shaves without stropping!
A small paddle strop is best, I also think! Have a good trip.

I wouldnt do it long term. A barber hone is abrasive and removes steel, whereas the strop doesnt. Use the barber hone when the razor starts to dull (maybe once or twice a month depending on use) and the strop before each shave.

For a trip you should be fine though! Newspaper works well as Glen says, or you can strop on your jeans or something. Denim is good for stropping!

Originally Posted by volleykinginnc

Gents,
Do any of you use a Barbers hone as a strop? I am going on a trip and it will be a lot more convenient to carry a barbers hone and just curious if you can use it daily?

Less than ideal... there exists a strop back razor hone
so you are asking a good question...
They glue a layer of felt covered with leather on the
back of some barber hones. These work well enough
if you find one where the leather is still OK.

I would however recommend a modest sized paddle
strop. Size it so it fits in your travel suit case. Something
like 2.5"x8" of working leather seems fine to me. Home made
can be inexpensive if you size it to match an odd size scrap
of leather rather than cutting leather special to fit.

Sticking with DIY...
Thick felt is hard to find but fabric covered mouse pads are not.
Thin plywood covered with a bit of fabric covered mouse pad
with leather glued on it for one side and just fabric covered
mouse pad on the reverse.

Any smooth leather will do.... If you use green CrOx make
sure to double wrap it so the green does not get on clothing.
A submicron white abrasive (CeOx or Diamond) is often a good
thing on a paddle strop.

The handy man might make a paddle strop with a
pocket to hold a barber hone.... and a razor.