Thread: Mastro Livi loom Strop

Gentlemen,

I have used a variety of strops — Mastro Livi, Scrupleworks, Neil Miller, Tony Miller, SRD, Kanayama, and others — and each has given me a fine edge. The Kanayama's feel is pure cream, nothing like it, and I love it. Yet, I no longer have my Kanayama — at one time I had three. Nor do I have the other strops, none except the Illinois 203, an old shell strop my barber gave me, and the Mastro Livi.

Perhaps it is only my perception, but none of the strops I have used has given me the particular silky edge that does the Mastro Livi. I can't quite put the finger on it. If you look at the bevel after stropping with the Mastro Livi, the sparkling shine on it is like a thread from a celestial jewel. In my experience, no other strop quite does that, even the Kanayama. Still, that is no proof the Mastro Livi loom strop is better than the others I have noted. The only difference that I can see and feel is that the Mastro Livi is somehow different, and I prefer that difference. The CrO side, which I use to refresh an edge when needed, is an added bonus to this remarkable strop.

I have the travel size and the small size, both of which work perfectly for me. The medium and the large I feel are cumbersome.

I had one and liked it a lot. I can echo what others have said about the leather side being 'buttery' smooth, and unlike any other strop surface. You have to see it, feel it to really appreciate it. Mine was part of a razor/brush/loom strop set and when I sold the set the loom had to go as part of the set. Someday I may get another, but for now I'll just struggle on with my Kanayama 80,000 and the dozen other strops I have.

If you had a 90K you wouldn't have to struggle Jimmy.

Har har.

I have 2 Mastro Livi loom strops, medium and small and without question, the quality and performance has no equal. I find you don't need as many laps on the fine skin as on other stores and to restore an edge, the chromium oxide on linen side brings it back real fast with very few laps. They are not inexpensive but you get what you pay for.

Originally Posted by jkatzman

I have 2 Mastro Livi loom strops, medium and small and without question, the quality and performance has no equal. I find you don't need as many laps on the fine skin as on other stores and to restore an edge, the chromium oxide on linen side brings it back real fast with very few laps. They are not inexpensive but you get what you pay for.

Between the small and medium which one do you prefer?

Originally Posted by alex1921

Between the small and medium which one do you prefer?

I asked a similar question on this thread:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/strop...d-spine-2.html

I prefer and use the medium the most. I got the small when I ordered a promotion by Mastro Livi when he was selling Cella products, a Grifetta razor, and the small loom strop. I use the small for travel. When I am home, I like the medium. 20 laps and you got one great polished edge. Haven't found anything to match the soft skin side for performance and silky fee.

Does the Livi strop come already treated with the CROX, or do you have to apply it yourself...I know that he sends a crayon of the stuff with the strop?

Yes, the loom strop has chromium oxide on a fine linen on one side and skin on the other. It also comes with a crayon to add more if needed. When you clean the fine skin or linen, Mastro Livi recommends using rolled up toilet paper soaked with lighter fluid. You rub it lightly one way only until the black is off. Dried like a shot and has no effect on the skin or linen. I do it on my 2 hanging strops. On the linen side, you then take the crayon and apply it going lightly one way until there is new layer of chromium oxide. Doesn't need much. Without question, it is the best way to strop and touch up a razor.

Originally Posted by jkatzman

Yes, the loom strop has chromium oxide on a fine linen on one side and skin on the other. It also comes with a crayon to add more if needed. When you clean the fine skin or linen, Mastro Livi recommends using rolled up toilet paper soaked with lighter fluid. You rub it lightly one way only until the black is off. Dried like a shot and has no effect on the skin or linen. I do it on my 2 hanging strops. On the linen side, you then take the crayon and apply it going lightly one way until there is new layer of chromium oxide. Doesn't need much. Without question, it is the best way to strop and touch up a razor.

Thanks - and speak of the Livi Loom strop, mine just arrived at the doorstep...sheesh, glad I got the medium...thing is YUGE!!!!

Now to unpack....