Thread: 127 Illonois Strop NEWBIE HERE

I reciently bought a strop from a local farmers market. It seems like a good strop and I'm sure it is. Yet I feel like its not making the right amount of contact with my straight razor. I really am new at wet shaving, and I still have questions on how to use and maintain straight razor set. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.

Is this a new strop??

The #127 and #8127 are basically the same strop other than the Russian finish if it is new you kinda need to take some time and break it in a bit
Use the heel of your hand and rub the strop in until it gets warm before using on your razor every time before you use it..
Don't jump right to using Oils or Conditioners the Illinois strops have quite a bit of oil built in
However if it is used then I would have to see a pic or know the condition to help

It is new, yes. Though I feel as if some parts of the strop are making contact with the blade more then others. I dont know if Im pulling too tight. I pull it taut till its straight as a board. I'll make sure to rub the heel of my hand over it, lol. Thanks!

Tight and Taut,
Relax a bit and get too Taut this is a tuff one to learn, because we try and stress that the strop should be held tight so that when your new you don't mess up the edge, but the strop should actually be held Taut in a nice comfortable hold... If you are brand new just put the strop on the edge on a table until you learn the flip..
Yes the rubbing will help the strop break in faster and rubbing it down until it is warm to the heel of the hand helps raise up the oils..

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Thanks, I tried rubbing the strop. Made it pretty even, and sharpend up my razor really well. Thanks!