Thread: Strop Conditioning and Stropping Question

Hello all.

I have been watching the world of straight razor shaving DVD and have a few questions about stropping.

1. How often do I need to condition the strop?
2. How long should I let the oil sit on the strop after I rub it into the strop?
3. How do I completely remove the oil has recommended in the video?

With regards to stropping, I see on a youtube video by Lynn, he uses a 3 inch wide strop (which I have) without using X patterns.

However, in the world of straight razor shaving DVD, Lynn uses an X pattern on 3 inch wide honing stones.

Why not use an X on a 3 inch wide strop if you use an X on a 3 inch wide stone for honing?

Thank you for you time and assistance.

If it's a brand new strop, You really shouldn't oil it at all. Your going to change the draw, or drag of the strop. The newer, nicer ones, like those sold at SRD, really only require you to rub it down with the palm of your hand. The natural oils in your skin will be more than enough. You can ruin a strop by over oiling it, very easily. I've had some for years, and have never oiled them.

Lynn is just showing you, you can do the x stroke on a 3 inch wide strop. You don't have to. It's up to you.
If you have a narrower strop, you need to do the x pattern, and it's good to learn.

When you learn to hone, you'll find there's a variety of techniques we use, besides the x stroke.

Thank you for your prompt response to my questions.

My first shaving is tomorrow after I watch the videos some more.