Thread: Mastro Livi loom Strop

Originally Posted by Phrank

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....

Of course, keep us posted! We want to hear how you like it.

I am in the process of deciding whether to get one myself.

Out of curiosity, knowing that even the medium is big -- where do you folks store the darn thing?

You are not going to believe the feel and the edge you will get off the skin side.

Originally Posted by 400E

Of course, keep us posted! We want to hear how you like it.

I am in the process of deciding whether to get one myself.

Out of curiosity, knowing that even the medium is big -- where do you folks store the darn thing?

I've had a chance to use the Livi Loom strop, also watched Mastro Livi's video on his loom strop.

And I guess I can add no words, there is no more apt description than Obie describes here on page 3 of this thread, and I completely agree:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/strop...ml#post1726881

And yes, I noticed the bevel on the razor really shine after little stropping on the loom strop, looks very polished...can't wait to see how some Sheffield steel feels like after some Livi.

So -- back to the question of where you Livi strop owners keep 'em?

I know the Mastro sends them in a nice wooden box, but I can't really imagine using that for every-day storage.

I made a leather case for mine and hang it in my bathroom.

Originally Posted by 400E

So -- back to the question of where you Livi strop owners keep 'em?

I know the Mastro sends them in a nice wooden box, but I can't really imagine using that for every-day storage.

Actually, so far I keep it in it's wooden box, tuck it behind the door in my rec room, have some brushes, soaps and other shaving related stuff on a book shelf, just bring it out, have a table there, just place the bottom of the loom on the table top, hold it up at about 45 degree angle and away you go.

Really is a beautiful piece of leather, even better that it looks like human skin stretched over the metal frame, and Livi says you strop until the bevel is clean and it gleams, and the strop definitely does that, without that many laps as well.

Shave I had tonight with my W&B, after refreshing on the Escher, and then stropped with the treated side, then stropped with the skin side, was sublime....glad I got one.

I have not used one but held one in my hand.

The construction to me is very basic and not impressive.

The stropping surfaces felt very good and although I can't comment on the results I believe others here.

I would not recommend these to a beginner because to me an OOOPS would cause it to loose all value.

P.S. As I reread my post I suppose you could make that point with any strop.

The loom part is more what I was thinking less of.

The treated side which livi crox seems very fast to me, I find it polishes rapid, and one has to be careful as it really can over do my razors and leaves a real harsh edge other wise five strokes seems to work well.

The best way to store them is on a wall where you just slide the opening up to take the strop out. I have the large size and I find it's the best way.

The CrO on the strop is applied insanely thick. Just a few swipes is all you need.

First the good news:
I deeply admire Mastro Livi's creativity and genius and his strops, which I still own the medium and travel versions of, work admirably well.
In fact, I am struggling to find a strop that comes close and replicates this silky feel during the shave and I do hope that either a Kanayama or Scrupleworks will fit that role.

Now the bad news: Mastro Livi's creativity is - at least in my experience - not matched by an equal amount of quality control.

Unfortunately, this applies both to Livi razors, which I own as well, and to his loom strops.

Regarding the loom strop:
In the first week the travel loom strop lost already one of the nuts in the upper plate that tensions the strop as neither of the two nuts were properly tightened, which is admittedly not a big thing and was remedied easily.
But within less than a year the thread in the same plate on the medium-sized strop is getting worn away by the thread in the handle.

I should mention that after stropping I tend to loosen the screw 2-3 turns to reduce the tension on the strop, but IMO a quality loom strop should be able to handle this without wearing out prematurely.
Well, at least cheapo Herold loom strops do...

I just noticed the last problem only a few days ago and have tried to lubricate the screw and check the adjustment of the base plate, but to no avail.

So the end result?
I still have the strop - at least until the Kanayama or Scrupleworks replacement arrives.

I also acknowledge that Mastro Livi's creations are to a large extent handmade and hence small variations and the need for adjustments should expected, but this should not impede their functionality.

N.B.
Before anyone suggests sending items back to Mastro Livi to be rectified:
(1) That is only practical within the EU, when you do not have to deal with the vagaries of Italian Customs {paying import duty on arrival on my side, then paying Italian import duty plus 22% VAT based on brandnew value on return to Italy for repair, and finally paying import duty again when the item is returned to me}.
(2) That makes only sense should Mastro Livi acknowledge that - based on several e-mails since when the razor was new - the item has some inherent flaw - which he regrettably failed to do.


I am truly sorry to be the bearer of bad news, and I know that Mastro Livi has a loyal following here and on other forums, but if I pay top dollar, I do expect that the goods not only look good but are also fit for the purpose.



B.

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