Thread: Newbie strop questions

I will start using a straight in a few weeks and have decided on either the filly strop or whipped dog poor man strop for my first strop. My question is are both of these ready to go out of the box or do I need to do anything to them before use? From what I've read, I daily strop on the soft side and (many conflicting reviews on this) strop a few strokes on the rough side every 4-7 days to keep the edge. Is this right?

LarryAndro (Whipped Dog) recommends treating the strop before use with neats-foot oil, strop dressing, or lather. [I did that.]

He also recommends flattening the strop with a cup or mug -- I didn't bother, it seemed flat to me. It's a nice strop -- nothing fancy, but effective.

I wouldn't use the reverse (rough) side -- too uneven for stropping, IMHO.

When you can't get a good edge with the leather strop, use the FeOxide balsa strop. When that doesn't work, use the CrOxide balsa strop.

Instructions come with the Poor Man's Strop Kit, and they're clear.

Charles

I'm not familiar with either of those strops, but would definitely listen to the manufacturer. Most quality strops require nothing prior to use, Just a rub with the palm of your unwashed oily hand from time to time. From what I've read the Fily and Paladin are good strops. Larry is a good guy too. As far as your blade, you strop it before use.
Normally, on a linen/cotton type component, 10-30 times, followed by leather 40-70 times. I myself do 25 linen/50 leather (untreated leather).

Unless the maker makes specific recommendations just examine it and decide for yourself. if it's very hard and stiff you'll want to treat it with some conditioner or oil and maybe roll it out with a bottle or rolling pin. If it seems good to go then don't worry about it. Quality strops need little or nothing in the way of conditioning.

This is off topic but it is still a "newbie" questions...

Paddle Strop vs. Hanging (regular?) Strop for a newbie. What are the pros and cons?

Originally Posted by zib

I'm not familiar with either of those strops, but would definitely listen to the manufacturer. Most quality strops require nothing prior to use, Just a rub with the palm of your unwashed oily hand from time to time. From what I've read the Fily and Paladin are good strops. Larry is a good guy too. As far as your blade, you strop it before use.
Normally, on a linen/cotton type component, 10-30 times, followed by leather 40-70 times. I myself do 25 linen/50 leather (untreated leather).

The filly doesn't come with a linen side. How important is the linen side when stropping? I've noticed a lot of strops don't come with some sort of cloth side, but most do.

Originally Posted by Zts2004

This is off topic but it is still a "newbie" questions...

Paddle Strop vs. Hanging (regular?) Strop for a newbie. What are the pros and cons?

I went with the Paddle Strop because:

1. My wife won't let me hang a strop anywhere.
2. The Paddle Strop is easier for a newbie to get right.
3 The Paddle Strop gives you more options.
4. Getting technique right seems easier on a flat strop.

Another newbie question. I got a paddle strop with smooth leather on one side and split leather on the other.

Thiers Issard Handmade Wooden Box With Razor Strop Leather on Both Sides - Knifecenter.com

I bought this grease for the strop Thiers Issard Low Grease White Paste for Razor Strop - Knifecenter.com

What side would you grease?

Neither...What is that stuff supposed to do anyway...? The add say's nothing, unless I missed it.. I did see one comment from another customer, that say's it refreshes a dull edge. If that's your one and only strop, Don't put anything on it. You should leave it the way it is. You'll use the rough edge first, then finish on the smooth leather before you shave. Pastes are used for honing, and refreshing a dull edge, not on your daily strop...

Originally Posted by breadstick

The filly doesn't come with a linen side. How important is the linen side when stropping? I've noticed a lot of strops don't come with some sort of cloth side, but most do.

There's different schools of thought on the subject, but most agree, the linen/canvas side of the strop prepares the blade for the leather. Some believe it's the heating action. In any case, most strops come with it. I use it and recommend it...

P.S. I have a Kenrup strop, I think it's the Paladin, It didn't come with linen or canvas either, when I use that strop, which is rare, I use the canvas on another strop. It's a good strop, I just don't like the fact that it has no linen. Personal preference...