Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 17
Like Tree6Likes

Thread: Do I need to use the canvas?

  1. #1
    Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Posts
    40
    Thanked: 2

    Default Do I need to use the canvas?

    I read the wiki and didnt see anything about this. Do I need to strop on the canvas and the leather, pr is the leather enough? when do I need to use the canvas?

  2. #2
    Nic by name not by nature Jeltz's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    South West England
    Posts
    961
    Thanked: 249

    Default

    I have a home made denim strop which does the same job as a canvas or linen strop very well. I use it before leather and it has added much to the success of my stropping. I do 20 stroke on denim and 60 on leather beofre every shave then 15-20 on denim after to make sure the razor is fully dry.
    Regards
    Nic

  3. #3
    Silky Smooth
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Southern California
    Posts
    798
    Thanked: 154

    Default

    Like many aspects of straight razors, using the canvas strop is a matter of personal preference. For myself, I find the canvas indispensable. It acts like a vary mild hone, and I believe that it can be used hone all but the bluntest of edges. I have gone almost a year with a new stainless Dovo using only canvas and leather. I have yet to use anything else on it.
    Last edited by JeffR; 05-30-2011 at 06:05 AM. Reason: fix typo

  4. #4
    illegitimum non carborundum Utopian's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Rochester, MN
    Posts
    11,544
    Thanked: 3795
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default

    As already mentioned, the canvas helps to keep the blade sharp, thereby lengthening the time between honings.

  5. #5
    'with that said' cudarunner's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Walla Walla in WA State USA
    Posts
    11,151
    Thanked: 4230

    Default

    I was recently given 7 straight razors from my old Boy Scoutmaster. They were his fathers, brothers, and brother in-laws.

    They are all in nice shape, the Geneva looks almost brand new. They would all cut arm hairs easily, not 'Pop' but close to it! I decided to see if any of them would be able to shave at all.

    I stropped the first one 100 laps on the linen of a brand new Illinois 827. I then stropped 100 laps on the 827's leather, then an additional 100 laps on my trusty vintage Genuine Shell strop.

    I did my usual face prep,lathered up and----I got a Very Nice Shave! Two passes and it was as close to BBS as I can get with even a freshly honed razor. I had no nicks, cuts, razor burn or any irritation! Now mind you the edge didn't feel 'Scary Sharp' but it was Very Smooth!

    I've repeated the above on 3 additional razors with the exact same result! I Swear to God!

    I'm going to try another razor tonight! I don't expect to be disappointed!
    Last edited by cudarunner; 05-30-2011 at 02:47 AM.
    mjhammer likes this.
    Our house is as Neil left it- an Aladdin’s cave of 'stuff'.

    Kim X

  6. #6
    Indisposed
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Posts
    6,038
    Thanked: 1195

    Default

    Do you NEED to use the canvas? No. Should you? Absolutely. Material stropping is integral to maintaining a sharp razor and prolonging the time between honings. You could get by with leather alone, as I'm sure many gentlemen have, but it's best to have a material strop as well.

    I am slightly puzzled why people ask if they should use their linen/canvas component - I say if you have it, use it. It's all part of the arsenal

  7. The Following User Says Thank You to Ryan82 For This Useful Post:

    mjsorkin (03-03-2012)

  8. #7
    At this point in time... gssixgun's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    North Idaho Redoubt
    Posts
    26,947
    Thanked: 13221
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Ryan82 View Post
    I am slightly puzzled why people ask if they should use their linen/canvas component - I say if you have it, use it. It's all part of the arsenal
    Methinks you done hit the nail on the head right there Ryan...
    mjhammer likes this.

  9. The Following User Says Thank You to gssixgun For This Useful Post:

    Ryan82 (05-31-2011)

  10. #8
    Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Posts
    40
    Thanked: 2

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Ryan82 View Post
    I am slightly puzzled why people ask if they should use their linen/canvas component - I say if you have it, use it. It's all part of the arsenal
    Well, I am new to the whole thing and was not sure. Sorry I thought this was a place where people new to straight razor shaving could ask questions.

  11. #9
    Well Shaved Gentleman... jhenry's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Indianapolis, IN
    Posts
    3,860
    Thanked: 3760

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by aramirez626 View Post
    Well, I am new to the whole thing and was not sure. Sorry I thought this was a place where people new to straight razor shaving could ask questions.
    aramirez,

    No need to apologize. No harm intended...None taken.

    Keep on asking those questions chief.
    "Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." Mark Twain

  12. #10
    ace
    ace is offline
    Senior Member blabbermouth ace's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Virginia
    Posts
    3,362
    Thanked: 581

    Default

    Well, I'm still puzzled. I have two strops that have linen components. I've used them because I had them and felt that they were a good stropping stage prior to smooth leather. I've had blades that had delicate edges, I'm guessing, and the linen sides were somewhat harsh on them. I've recently moved away from using the linen because it seems so rough compared to the smooth leather. So, while I'm prepared to use all the tools in my arsenal, I"m more confident about using some of those tools when I know a bit more about what it is precisely that they do and what their specific function is. I get good results with smooth leather, so lately I've been avoiding the linen sides because I'm having trouble justifying their purpose vis-a-vis smooth leather.

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •