What is to much?

[proximus26]

Hello all good people,

since I`m still new and I`m learning stropping I would like to ask a question... when cut in strop can really affect razor during stropping. Is there any theory? Does cut need to be deep, in middle or on the edge of the strop?

My strop is not pretty as I`m learning but I have noticed when I cut off remaining part of leather (and I have only few ok, I admit-maybe many cuts on the edge) and sand out rest of leather looks to me that razor edge is sliding over this area and to me does not affecting stropping.

Am I totally wrong in my statement? I am talking really about small cuts, not like some one just went into leather and cut has 2 in. I`m talking 0.5mm-2mm cuts.

I guess after all this answer I will be forced order new strop as you probably will determinate that no cuts should be allowed :-(

Regards and thank you!

[jhenry]

proximus,

I think that may depend on how deep the cut is in your strop. If it can be sanded or cut out without compromising the efficiency of the strop that is ok. If the cut or gouge is too large to remove, then you need to get a new strop.

A photo or two of your strop might help.

[proximus26]

jhenry,

photos... yeah... maybe... I just want to scare anyone with strop pictures:-)
But yes, I will take few shots and post here:-(

[thebigspendur]

If you can feel the cut in the strop as you strop so can the razor and that is no good. Try a pumice stone or very fine sandpaper to get the cuts out if they are a problem.

[smoothbean]

The big Spendur is correct a mundo! I took some 600 grit and was lucky enough to get a very smooth finish on my leather, my cuts were all on the edge top and bottom, however I will be getting a new strop when I am confident with my technique.

[carlmaloschneider]

Hi,
Actually, I think you should concentrate also on why you're getting the cuts in the strop. Certainly your question is a good one, but I'm a bit 'concerned' about the "many cuts on the edge". I've only nicked the edge of my strop once since I've started (almost a year now). What is causing you to nick the strop? Are you stropping too fast before you've got the motion down properly? I do think you need to address that issue as well as how to fix the cuts and nicks (i.e. sanding lightly)... :-)

[smoothbean]

Hi,
Actually, I think you should concentrate also on why you're getting the cuts in the strop. Certainly your question is a good one, but I'm a bit 'concerned' about the "many cuts on the edge". I've only nicked the edge of my strop once since I've started (almost a year now). What is causing you to nick the strop? Are you stropping too fast before you've got the motion down properly? I do think you need to address that issue as well as how to fix the cuts and nicks (i.e. sanding lightly)... :-)

I personally have a tiny twitch when rolling my spine over causing the nicks, I didn't realize this till concentrating on "why is this happening"
I have not put a single nick in my strop since! something to think about Proximus

[str8fencer]

Don't forget you can close clean cuts with a small dab of superglue and a little pressure while it's drying, before sanding.
I prefer to use a pumice stone. The leather must be smooth, as per thebigspendur's post above.