Thread: STROPANIC

Stropanic is the feeling of dread you get when you order a new strop and feel overwhelmed. I am currently in this state, and I could use some advice. I have a new Thiers-Issard straight razor made with Sheffield steel. It's a beauty and I really want to keep it that way.

I recently bought an Illinois #827 strop (with the linen back and Russian leather) and it's on its way. I have read conflicting reviews about the #827. My chief concern is keeping my razor safe, shave-ready and not risking damage to the edge. Is this strop OK for a beginner using a Sheffield steel TH or have I made a big mistake with my first strop choice? I am only starting out so I don't want to have to mess with the strop and give it crazy treatments and pumice-stone makeovers. HELP!

Get a table knife and strop it on the 827 as much as you can to break it in (if needed) and yourself as well. It is just a strop.

............................

The #827 is just a great strop, yes it's inexpensive, but still top notch IMO. No worries at all!

Originally Posted by seboomerang

Sttropanic is the feeling of dread you get when you order a new strop and feel overwhelmed.
....snip....
HELP!

If you strop smooth and slow you will be OK.

To practice...
You can take a roll of newspaper and
strop on that to practice. One or two
sheets of newspaper tends to collapse if you apply
more than the weight of a razor. Roll
it thin about the diameter of a broom handle.

If you nick the paper you will not trash
your razor or trash a new strop.

Yes if you go and cut paper the razor will dull but
a little nick or two is not a disaster.

EDIT:
What do I mean by a little oil on the razor prior to
stropping with canvas or leather. A little is what
is left after wiping with clean tissue or cloth. If the
oil can be seen as little droplets of smudges there
is too much. If the oil is "invisible" yet water beads
like water on a ducks back you are fine.

Thanks for the tips, everyone- keep 'em coming! This is great to know! For some background, I had been learning on a Dovo shavette and it was not very smooth sailing. I decided to get the Thiers-Issard and the difference was incredible (quality, weight, etc.). I am really fond of the T-I and just want to keep it in the best condition I can. When I saw that Russian leather is rough, I was worried I would damage the edge of my razor if I didn't have a. some serious Shaolin Master Technique or b. da Vinci-level inventiveness and tinkering with the strop leather.

Seems like there's no need to worry and there are good ways to practice.

I think you'll do fine.
I made my own strop out of a belt blank that I bought at the local saddle shop and haven't damaged an edge yet.
I just rub it with the palm of my hand whenever I'm in the bathroom.
Hang on and enjoy the ride.

Milady's Standard Professional Barbering recommends removing the outer nap from a Russian strop by rubbing with a dry pumice stone until the strop surface is smooth.

Here's a link:

Milady's Standard Professional Barbering - Maura Scali-Sheahan, Milady - Google Books

There may also be other references in the SRP archives.

Here's an older thread containing links to even more older threads that you may find useful:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/strop...ice-stone.html

I have used a drug store/ beauty supply fine textured pumice on my strops (both IRS Russia and a #361) with excellent results.

I think if you stay with the recommendations from the barbering texts you'll be OK. Sometimes the directions can seem vague as the texts were not meant as a stand-alone, but as a part of a program where an instructor could guide and answer questions. So 1) read the texts (Google or some here at SRP archives), 2) ask questions, 3) experiment with the techniques, 4) repeat steps 1,2, and 3.

Thanks for the advice. It sounds like the strop MUST be broken in before I put my razor to it. I do have a pumice stone, and I wouldn't have a problem running it over the surface a couple of times. How long should I try to break the strop in before I actually put the razor to it? Damaging the strop wouldn't be the end of the world for me, but damaging my razor would really break my heart. :O