Does my strop suck?

My first couple of weeks, maybe more, my lather would dry on one side before I finished the other. A shave might take me 45 minutes ...... I don't know how, but it did. I had to relather the off side to get it. Eventually I began to get through the entire shave with the original lather. Now I can probably shave 2 passes in no more than 10 minutes but it took awhile. Where you are sounds par for the course I took. BTW, my first two or three weeks I had to use the DE to get the tough spots, knob of the chin and parts of the neck. That is also par for the course with some of us.

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Originally Posted by SirStropalot

Another thought. I have the Roo strop and I use it almost exclusively. I have said before though that it wouldn't be a strop I'd recommend to a new stropper. Almost everyone ends up nicking their first strop, usually a number of times. You've noticed how thin it is. A nick on a Roo is a cut through almost certain. You might think about getting an SRD replacement leather (thicker) and changing it

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I think the thinness is deceptive. You'd actually have to give it a good slice to cut thru. Not impossible but roo hide is stronger than cowhide & more puncture resistant than goat hide.

Find a veteran shaving member within driving distance from you and make a visit ASAP, this will "cut" your learning curve down considerably. Sounds like you have quality equipment & I echo the gentlemen's thoughts posted before me, it's now time to get your skills and knowledge up to par.

I have a few small nicks on my strop, and I use the word nick sparringly because they are minute. I made them the first strop I did. I flipped the spine over and had a little forward motion which gave it a little kiss with the edge. I haven't had any slips since then. I actually added a little neatsfoot oil yesterday and let it dry over night. I rubbed it with my palm a little prior to stropping this morning and had my most enjoyable shave yet. I actually picked up on the drag today and it was one of those feelings where you just know something is going right.

So, agree, my strop does not suck, I do... but getting better.

I have noticed that a couple drops of pure glycerin while lathering will help keep the lather from drying out quite a bit longer. It also helps give that extra bit of glide you may like while learning. You have to look in the right places but both CVS and RiteAID near me carry a 3.5" tall bottle that will last you many many years. As a side note, it seems to help get the lather and hair to slide off the razor under running water as well! Less chance of needing a towel to wipe it off. If you have hard water, maybe try using distilled water a couple of times and see if that makes a difference for you!

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Originally Posted by Mjsonge

So, agree, my strop does not suck, I do... but getting better.

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We all sucked in the beginning, my friend!! :D You'll learn fast!!!

Have fun and enjoy!

Howard:)