Thread: english bridal strop

I purchased three english briddle hanging strop 2", 2.5" and a 3'. First question are english briddle strops ok to paste and what are the best way to paste them? Also what is a good way from keeping them from cupping?

Welcome to SRP!

I would not paste the smooth side of your bridle strop unless you want to use it exclusively as a pasted strop. In any case, you will be better served by using something with a bit more texture as a medium for your paste. The rough side of a piece of leather could work, maybe the back of your strop, or some guys like balsa. Do a search. There has been a metric ton of stuff posted about pasting a strop properly.

I am using an SRD Bridle and haven't had any issues with cupping. Are you saying that yours are cupping now, or you are just concerned that they may cup?

yes I did have an issue with a 3" latigo cupping on me. So you would recommend a balsa wood for pasting? I did purchase a felt board which the sellers said worked good with a diamond slurry.

My personal preference, if I am going to use pastes, is leather on a paddle strop or flatbed hone. I don't use balsa, although it will work and you may like it.

If you are going to use felt make sure that it is hard felt and not the more common stuff that works for crafts, etc. Also, I tend more toward diamond and CrOx sprays for felt rather than paste for refreshing my razors (or finishing after honing).

PPR, +1 on hard felt for sprays.

You might find the time well spent to read Glen's response to my questions on the same topic from 4/24/11. It was handy enough I saved a large excerpt.
Glen:

I thought the #1 reason pastes began to get a bad rap was the use of Balsa, many Newbs were told if you want to try it out, use a piece of Balsa, now don't get me wrong, it does work, but it works too well.. Combine an overly effective medium, and use by Newbs that over apply the product, and overuse the strop, and you get Harsh edges... These same people were also using the pastes in the exact same way as you stated in your wording, using a paste to make up for lacking skills wrongly, and it can lead to harsh edges .. Note that I said wrongly, as there are many people that do not prescribe to our (SRP) way of the hones, we are a very hone based group...Always keep in the back of your mind there is another group that gets to about what we consider a sharp blade (4K level) on hones, then brings it in from there on a loom strop and the older style pastes ie: Dovo Green, Red, Black... Now before you scoff at it I suggest you try it, Bruno mentioned this about the EU guys maybe 3 years ago in a post, I thought to myself "Huh that sounds all wrong" but I tried it out, and guess what... A smooth comfortable shave happened..
For reference, the softer the stropping surface the less the effect of the paste...

Felt
Webbing
Linen
Leather
Balsa
As you move through this list, IMHO you increase the possibility of getting a harsh edge...

Some found diamond sprays to give harsh results. Glen's input might keep that from happening. Another approach is the .125m Cubic Boron Nitride (CBN), which keeps the edge quite smooth. Look up the honorable Riooso + CBN.

Some good points. I like English Bridle and Latigo strops for normal stropping.
Pastes, I prefer to use paddle strops as well. Cheap cowhide leather works great. I'm not sure where you are in the world, but Tandy leather Tandy Leather Factory - Natural Cowhide Leather Strips
has leather strips or belting material here 3"w x 50"l. It's great for making paddles, if your so inclined.

As previously mentioned, Sprays, such as Diamond and Chromium oxide excel on cloth, or wool felt material. I especially like SRD's Hard wool felt treated with .50 diamond spray. If I use it, it's normally only 10 lapps as a finisher.

As far as the blade being too sharp, or harsh, I've experienced this myself with .25 diamond spray. I've also found when this happens, using some chromium oxide takes the bite out.
I've not experienced any harshness with .50 diamond spray or pastes, and not with the Chromium oxide either. YMMV.

I have been using .5 and .25 diamond on balsa for a long time, and learned the hard way that a few strokes go a long way. It is very easy to overstrop and get that harsh edge. Also, over use will wreck the bevel. However, when not overused, I have gotten excellent results with it. This is not to say that as good or better results cant be had with other combos. Personal touch has everything to do with results. Very Best, John

I have found crox on balsa works very quik, as mentioned its quik. quite potent. i would say i prefer paste on leather paddle or leather/cotton hanger pulled very tight..

Very helpful. I will use caution and use few and light strokes.