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21"x 2 3/4" hanging cowhide strop,but also it has another strop with it which appears to be vinyl.Would I be right in thinking the vinyl strop would be used after the leather to finish off?
Also,would it be beneficial to the leather strop to treat it with a couple of coats of neatsfoot oil?
Cheers,Tommo.
Who makes the strop and can you post a pic or two?
I'm venturing a guess that the "vinyl" will be used before the leather. :) Leather is the last step in your stropping progression.
In terms of chemicals, you must decide what is best, but here's something to remember.....it's hard to take them off.
Try rubbing the strop with your hand and getting your natural oil impregnated into the leather first. If nothing changes after two months or so of daily rubbing, then start looking at compounds.
It's from Haryali of London....this looks like the one In this set,says one strop Is canvas but it looks like imitation leather,which makes me think It's vinyl because the back of it has that soft fluffy finish.
Amazon.com: Straight Razor Double Strop Jemico Paste Stone Shaving Set 6 Pcs: Health & Personal Care
I have serious doubts about that kit. The razor maker is not mentioned, so it's almost guaranteed to be Paki crap. The hone looks to be an Arkansas, which may, but probably will not, be adequate for razor honing. The strop is described as one being leather and one being canvas, but if you consider the leather to feel like vinyl then it is likely that the strop is crap. The one saving grace is that you may just be ignorant (I mean no offense) about leather, as normally leather does have a smooth side and a "fluffy" side.
Sorry, but I fear that you got what you paid for--cheap stuff.
Ive never touched/seen a jemico strop but here's a thread about them:straightrazorplace.com/strops/69300-thoughts-strop-jemico.html#post783271
Utopian,I think you've misunderstood.....I did't buy that kit,only the strop,which Is an extra wide piece of cow hide and seems pretty good to me.My issue Is with the other strop which came attached to It and Is described as "canvas",but Is clearly not,It looks like imitation leather/vinyl/ rubber.
I've just received one of the Haryali kits, more out of curiosity than any hope of quality, and in general I've been pleasantly surprised.
Mine came with razor, strop and badger brush, and like you I only really brought it for the strop.
The leather side of the strop is of fair quality, and although no expert in these things, it feels like it needs 'breaking in' over a few months. I won't be using any treatment on mine, and I will be using it. Judgement to follow!
The razor, as Utopian so delicately put it, is Chinese or Pakistani in origin, and useful for opening letters. Nice one piece wooden scales, and well pinned however.
The brush is fantastic! It's not exactly silvertip, but it is badger, it does smell quite strongly but I'm sure that'll wear off, and it functions like a magic lather making machine! No hairs fell out on first use, nice finish to wood turned handle.
Only observation I would like to share at this point is that the strop has very little draw, I hope that changes a little in use.
I ebayed my strop,and it just so happens to be used in one of these kits.
Paddy did yours come with the second strop,and what is it made of?.....think I'll cut mine off and throw it away!
Tommo,
For the highest quality strops in the UK, I would most heartily recommend Mr Neil Miller (www.strop-shop.co.uk - hand made straight razor strops, razor pouches, shaving accessories, vintage razors, razor honing and restoration). His strops are absolutely superb :)
Mr Steve Dempster (Introduction to razors) also does strops.
Have fun !
Best regards
Russ
Yes it did come with the second strop.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tommo
It seems to be leatherette backed with the fluffy side of Velcro, lol! I have no idea why it's there or how it could be used, it certainly isn't like the canvas/fabric strops I've seen.
Personally I will remove it if I can do so without damaging the clasp bit, if not it will stay attached but unused!
PhatMan> I will eventually buy a proper quality strop, and thanks for the recommendations, but at present a cheap solution is required - plus I will probably nick/cut it whilst learning proper technique, so I have followed the wiki advice and got one I won't be too upset if I damage!