Thread: rawhide vs black leather

My strop is two sided. One is a premium black leather the other is light tan rawhide. Since I don't have a linen side which side would you want to strop on and in which order? Also, which side if either would you apply paste to?
Should I buy a second strop or can I utilize this strop for both paste and non pasted stropping?

I would imagine one side is finished and the other not. The finished side is the stropping side. The other is probably not made to be used for stropping but without seeing it that's a guess. if you want to use linen buy a linen strop.

You can get a linen or felt strop online. What kind of strop did you get.

Not sure why my question would be a reason to laugh on the floor. At any rate it is two separate pieces of leather , one is latigo black and the other is just normal light tan leather. But they both appear finished. I am not sure the brand but it was a premium strop from classicshaving a couple years ago. My main question would be what are the pros and cons of each side and the preference of stropping order? I have always just used it on either side not really knowing the difference. I will try to take a pic tonight. Sorry if my question come across too newbish, but laughing at peoples posts is a good way at turning someone new off from the community. Not the most gentleman like behavior.

Can you post a picture of it?

Originally Posted by Edrum

Not sure why my question would be a reason to laugh on the floor. At any rate it is two separate pieces of leather , one is latigo black and the other is just normal light tan leather. But they both appear finished. I am not sure the brand but it was a premium strop from classicshaving a couple years ago. My main question would be what are the pros and cons of each side and the preference of stropping order? I have always just used it on either side not really knowing the difference. I will try to take a pic tonight. Sorry if my question come across too newbish, but laughing at peoples posts is a good way at turning someone new off from the community. Not the most gentleman like behavior.

I wouldn't worry about it - maybe its just that you used the term 'rawhide' and that isn't usually associated with razor strops, it is usually hard and parchment like, the stuff they make dog-chews out of.

I suppose if it was worked and oiled it would do, but I wouldn't like to try it.

Try stropping on both sides and noting the draw (the resistance you feel). Usually you would start with a heavy draw (razor sticks to the leather more) and end up with the lighter draw leather.

Regards,
Neil

Yes, I strop in progression on several types of leather, starting with heavier draw Bridle and working my way to lighter draw leathers. As Neil said, one shall have a heavier draw. Start with that one and finish with the lighter draw.
Another consideration is what razor you are stropping. I do not use heavy draw leather on thinly ground blades, so I start with a lighter draw on them. For stiff blades and wedges, however, the heavy draw is just the ticket.
Experiment and see!
Tom

Thanks for the suggestion on draw. The latigo definetly has more draw. I wish I could edit the thread subject. I meant cowhide not rawhide. Everywhere I typed rawhide earlier substitute for cowhide. I had a brain fart moment on the terminology I guess .

Nah, most knew what you meant!
Brain farts-r-us!