Great video Lynn! Three points always worth repeating - Keep it light and you'll be right. Turn on the spine and you'll be fine. And, Don't strop fast, the strop won't last. Musicians will get the speed thing. If you start stropping at 60BPM (beats per minute - that's one stroke per second), and work up to no more than 80BPM, you'll be a pro before you know!
Very nice intro video. Many great tips to help a beginner get the feel of the technique. I've read many pages on how to hone a razor but, unfortunately, nothing beats having someone demonstrate the right way to do this.
Hey Lynn, Great videos. You restored and old Wade Butcher 7/8 for me years ago. I eventually got into taking care of my own collection after subscribing to the straight razor group on yahoo. Thanks so much for sharing. I have had years of collecting fun and restoration thanks to your information. Take care.
Thanks for the video, Lynn! Great stuff and very informative. You inspired me to make a strop today and I love how it works. I followed the dimensions you mentioned and it turned out great.
My order is on its way to me, ordered the feather ss to start to learn the use of the staight razor, will move slowly towards this, thank you awesome shop, shipped same day.
Thanks for sharing Your expertise. I started using straight razors around 20yrs ago but after several years without I started to use them again a few weeks ago. Surely being no true beginner, you can always pick up something. A few days ago I had an idea for stropping training: carefully put electrical tape around the edge. This way You can train with the real razor without the danger of ruining strop or blade. I did this on my first honing project on a 10000 grid stone to get the feeling.
I probably use the hanging strop the most following honing razors every day, but I will use the paddle a lot when doing touch ups and the Big Livi for final stropping after testing razors.
My preference on the poly webbing is the chromium oxide crayon followed by the paste. The most important thing is to put it on very sparingly or just until you can see the color green. Works very well for refreshing the razor or at the end of a honing regiment. The sprays tend to soak in better on the felt which provides a nice cushion and result.
Thanks. I had never heard how many strokes or the purpose of the canvas before... I was using about 10 strokes, having my razor pull and going back to the hone (which I'm probably also doing incorrectly). Nice video.
Garfield #569 & ORAK Bagpiper here, I just started with a Merkur safety razor, however, I do see a straight razor in my future. Thanks for the lesson Brother.
I like the .5 chromium oxide that is sold for razors. It is hard to find out how much chromium oxide is used in the polishing compounds, but if it is close to the .5, it should work fine. Don't cake it on. Just put enough on to see the color green.
Thanks Lynn great vids . Just bought some of your honing stones and strop and what I would like to see in your next video is how to apply the crayon or paste if you need it at all . I'm in Australia and I'd love to visit your store the next time I'm in the states . Cheers
Most problems from stropping come from too much pressure being applied and then lifting the razor up at the end of the stroke vs. using just light pressure, a nice rhythm and rolling the razor on the spine to change directions. Other problems include trying to strop too fast or being too tentative which normally results in cutting the strop.
If you have rounded the edge over time from too much pressure, you can try to refresh the razor on the hones. I have not had much luck from using the strop to correct this.
Hey Lynn; thanks for the great videos. I'd appreciate if you could do videos about how to use the straight razor as well as how to restore a strop that hasn't been used for some time (dried up and some dirt on...)
Normally, I just recommend rubbing the palm daily on the strop until the palm starts to feel warm. That usually will break in the strop nicely. I use chromium oxide or .5 diamond on the back of the webbing, leather part of the strop or on a separate piece of felt for refreshing and final honing. Thanks.
I usually shave with a razor once honed to determine how well it shaves. That really is my preferred test. If it pulls, it needs more sharpening. If it glides over the beard and doesn't remove any hair, there is probably a burr and It needs sharpening. For new shavers, the problem is usually not the razor unless they have done something to dull the razor. It normally is just a matter of more practice and improving your technique.
i see people using paste on it. Really? I thought the strop is just for realigning the edge and removing the burr. Now you can sharpen and put on edge on it on a strop by using paste bars? Is it the same as using whetstones?
@@arncj18 IMO the pastes are used more for refreshing especially at the higher grit levels and the stones more for honing and repair at lower grit levels.
I am fond of English Bridle and Kangaroo Strops and probably use these the most. On the Freemason question, contact a lodge near to where you live and let them know of your interest and you will receive guidance. Thanks.
Thanks for the tutorial. Couple of novice questions: I have just bought a two sided strop - leather and suede. What side do I begin/finish with? Leather or suede? Also, on what side/surface do I put the stropping paste on? And what paste. Many thanks
Most people strop a few strokes on the suede and then 30-50 strokes on the smooth leather. Some use pastes like .5 diamond or chromium oxide on the suede side for refreshing, not for daily use.
I normally strop 40-60 strokes prior to shaving and then 20-40 strokes after shaving before I put the razor up. A lot of people only strop prior to each shave using 30 strokes to up to 100 strokes. Lots of personal preference involved.
Mastro Livi said if you have a worked spine or any work on it, rotating the blade over the strop will damage the strop. He says a X stroke lifting the razor away from the strop and then bringing it back with the spine first then laying it flat is the best way. Will a worked spine really damage the strop?
I would recommend trying to find one within your budget on either ebay or one of the forum classified for sale sections. If you can find one with minimum wear, it would be a good thing. If you have a friend or contact who uses straight razors or who hones them, you might send them pictures of a razor for advice before you buy or PM me and I will try to help you.
Sterling Campbell The draw on your strop is the result of the type of leather you are using and is a personal preference thing imo. Normally 20-30 strokes should be good for a pre shave stropping although this can become a personal preference or what works best for you thing too.
I strop the razor I am going to use before shaving with it and I shave almost every day. I normally will not strop razors not in use at any given point in time.
Lynn - quick question. I have sourced a few pieces of leather with the intent of making a strop board to place inside my shaving box. I am putting together. Again since i do 18th century reenacting, the shaving box i am putting together is along those lines of what you'd have seen in mid to late 1700's..Thats why i am making a board and not buying it. That said, I have sourced a few pieces of cow hide leathers of various thickness and have a few questions: 1.) What is suggested to use for gluing the leather and the cotton duck cloth material down to the board?. I have both Contact cement and 3M 77 spray glue... 2.) Is it best to use the thicker horse-tack type cow hide (like belt thickness or a hair thicker) or can i use a thinner yet much stiffer (not floppy) cowhide about 1/16th thick or doesn't it matter...so long as the leather being used is smooth (not dimpled) and glued down sturdy enough....my only thought it wearing out the thinner..but then again looks like most board strops do NOT use the thicker leather and lean towards the thinner semi stiff hide....thanks in advance
Anthony Consiglio IMO either of the sprays should work. Go light on the cloth material. Either of the leathers should work fine as they will be on the board. Good luck and have fun!
Both the spine and edge should be on the strop when stropping. You change directions by rolling on the spine. If you are stropping the edge with the spine off the strop, particularly with some pressure, you can dull the razor. Have fun.
Lynn - Why is a hanging strop preferred over a paddle? According to what I understand about blade geometry, I can’t see any value in using a strop that may wrap around the apex at all.
Hello Lynn. Thanks for a very helpful video. In your opinion, how many shaves with stropping after each time can a razor take before refreshing with chromium oxide is needed? In other words, how often is refreshing required? I just purchased one of your Premium strops and installed a cup hook as per your videos. It works great. It's my first hanging strop. I really like the poly webbing. Thanks for all the great advice.
+Jeremy Vuozzo In my opinion, a freshly honed razor will last 2-3 months when used daily before refreshing is required. This is effected though by the thickness of your beard, experience and technique as well as the quality of your razor. I normally strop prior to every shave.
I actually damaged my 2"wide hanging strop because I didn't keep tension on it. So I bought a paddlestrop. Still- when travelling, a hanging strop might be easier packing into you luggage.
I just have a couple of questions for a starting straight razor shaver. Some reviews of certain products complain that the razor does not come shave ready, and suggests that it takes extra cycles of honing and stropping to prep it. Would you happen to know how many extra cycles? Also, after appyling the chromium oxide to your strop, how often should you re-apply it? (P.S. I do apologize if you went over this information in your video and I missed it)
Most razors do not come shave ready from the factory. I would recommend having them honed prior to use. I normally use chromium oxide only when the razor starts to pull a little. I do not have a set period of time for using it as a routine maintenance type thing.
Lynn Abrams Generally, about how often do razors need to be honed? I saw somewhere that you live in Cape Girardeau. I'm in Memphis. Do you think you might open a shop in Cape?
Hey Lynn, thanks for putting up the video, very informative and appreciated. Question, I recently purchased a used horsehide strop 2-1/2" x 24" it has a canvas linen back, overall it appears to be in good shape. Should I treat the leather or canvas with anything before using it? Thanks in advance Ed...
In my opinion, if the leather is supple and the linen is fairly clean, you are good to go. You may want to rub your palm on the leather until your palm feels warm daily before use to keep it in good shape. Happy Holidays.
with the loom strop, when should I use the "green pasty side"? Should I use only the clean leather side, like 60 strokes for everyday use and the paste side only for touch ups? or would I use the paste side and leather side everyday (for example: 20 strokes on the paste side and 40 strokes on the leather)? thanks!
Lynn Abrams Thank you very much for this quick response! I bought a DOVO razor and a loom strop. Made my first experiment today!! I've watched your other video on straight razor shaving for beginners (30 times eheh) and only did a few passes to try on the cheek as you suggest, and did the rest with my DE razor. Boy it was fun, but a bit frightening at first!! Your videos and posts on forums are really helpful!! Thank you very very much! P.S- Can this type of touch up substitute honing on a stone (at some extent)? That is, can I get to hone the blade less times if I do these touch ups? Since I don't have a honing stone and i'm quite inexperienced with razors. I only know how to sharpen knives
Manuel Rebello de Andrade It will help prolong the need to go to the stone in my opinion. When the touch ups quit working, you can then do a few strokes with the finishing stone followed by the green side and you should be able to maintain your razors with this process.
Hi, Mr. Abrams. I've heard you're the master at making a keen edge. I have a Dovo Palisander 6/8 full hollow ground that I bought from Superior Shave a couple months ago. I've shaved with it a hand full of times and it's my first straight. I fear, though, that my edge is getting dull as it feels like my hair is being pulled on the against the grain stroke. I bought a big daddy strop from star shaving, and that's what brings me here. Any thing I can do to test how sharp the blade is?
Hi, I have a sort of off topic question. But maybe you could help me :) Should I clean my soap lather cup after using it? I mean should I completely dry it or I just have to remove majority of lather?
before I put it away yesterday, I put a fine coat of oil on the razor, do I need to remove it before stropping or just strop the razor?Thanks in advance.
i just ordered my first straight razor, i got on straightrazordesigns.com and was eye balling the " black latigo strop D ring " ....is that something that is good for a beginner like myself to use? and another question is, is there two different materials on either side of the strop? what is the reason for that and how many passes are you supposed to do on each side? i know in your video above you said about 10-20 on one side and then 40-60 on the other....but how do i know which side is which? thanks
If you have a strop that you've accidentally nicked a couple of times, you can barely feel the nicks with your fingertips - the only thing you feel is that it feels slightly different from the rest of the leather. Will that affect the blade and is there anything that could be done about it? Like using very fine sandpaper? I tried asking where I bought my razor but they didn't know exactly so I guess, who better to ask than you?
Some sand down the nicks and then use a sadlesoap to clean up the strop followed by some neatsfoot oil. I have nicked up almost every stop I have ever owned and if the nicks are small, they usually are not problematic. In most cases, I can even strop around them. Have fun.
Lynn Abrams Thank you for the quick reply. I'll have to look up that oil, did it briefly but only found compounds with additives, so the search continues.
Hi Lynn, I just bought my first Damascus steel straight razor. Its sharp out the box but not sharp enough to shave. Im just wondering, do I have to strop it before my first use?
A lot of the Damascus razors sold by vendors other than people who custom make the razors are not very good shavers and don't hone up well for shaving.
I have lots of questions since I'm planning of joining the art of using a straight razor. How long to strops and Naniwa Super Stones last for personal use? Also, after using a razor do you have to apply an oil right after use? If so, do you have to apply the oil after every shave? Thank you.
xPrestigiousMusic Strops and stones can last a lifetime with normal use although many new guys and experienced ones for that matter nick up their strops. NEVER get the scales of a razor wet. They are hard to dry out and if you do this, you will likely end up with a stained and rusted blade. Unless you live in an area of high humidity you probably won't have to oil the blade daily. You do need to make sure it is thoroughly dried before putting it up.
I bought a s razor kit and it came with a single leather piece. Do I need a cloth piece also or is this single leather piece sufficient? I curled my razor on my first stropping attempt does it need to be sharpened or can I strop it out?
It's a personal preference on the linen or cloth second strop. Some people use it and some don't. Depending on how bad, the edge is rolled, you many need to have it honed. Try a couple hundred strokes on the strop first and see if it helps. Don't use a lot of pressure on the strop and lift up at the end of your strokes as that can roll an edge. Roll the razor on the spine to change directions and light pressure is good for daily stropping.
Lynn Abrams Thanks for the response Lynn my curiosity got the best of me and I tackled it again. My problem was that I didn't focus on my form, rolling on the spine, and keeping the blades spine as a guide while working the strop. My blade is perfect right now, thank you for your tutorial videos and your guidance into this sport.
Hey Lynn, just received my first straight after a few years of DE, it's a dovo 5/8, and I've sent it out to be honed properly before I use it. But I do want to learn to hone myself, is there a cheap brand razor you would recommend that would be good to learn with that's not going to be such a bad thing if I do happen to mess up?
In my experience, the canvas or poly web sets up the blade for the leather. Some people don't use anything but the leather which in my opinion is the final cleaning and polishing of the blade before each use. YMMV
Len I'm new to the art , bought a strop that has white leather seems harder and brown leather the seems more pliable with a canvasy back . Whats up with that ???
Why would a semi rigid paddle strop be “good for travel”? When compared with something akin to wide belt? It isn’t, it’s just something people say for some reason.
I normally don't put any treatment on a strop unless I feel it starting to stiffen. I rub the palm of my hand up and down the strop until the palm feels warm before every use and this helps break in and condition a strop in my experience.
great video. I'm really new to straight edge razor shaving. I'm trying to get strop. from your website sight which strop would you recommend. actually I'm making a shave den cabinet that I want to incorporate the strops with it. so I'm looking at the replacement strops on your website. so what do I need as far as strops go to maintain my razors. sooo many options I'm not sure what to get. your advice is greatly appreciated.
I normally recommend a three in strop as most razors are 3 inches long and I find them easier to use. For maintenance all you need to do is rub your palm up and down the strop until your palm feels warm before each use.
Leo Wizelman I normally do 10-20 strokes on the poly webbing and 30-50 on the leather. The only compounds I use are for refreshing the razor and not for every day use.
The Bob Ross of Straight Razors! Thanks for putting instructional materials out there, and keeping historical skills alive.
Great video Lynn! Three points always worth repeating - Keep it light and you'll be right. Turn on the spine and you'll be fine. And, Don't strop fast, the strop won't last. Musicians will get the speed thing. If you start stropping at 60BPM (beats per minute - that's one stroke per second), and work up to no more than 80BPM, you'll be a pro before you know!
Don As a musician and beginner straight razor shaver, that makes sense and helps a ton with the speed I should strop. Thank you.
Very nice intro video. Many great tips to help a beginner get the feel of the technique. I've read many pages on how to hone a razor but, unfortunately, nothing beats having someone demonstrate the right way to do this.
A Busch sign in the background? This guy is awesome.
Lynn is a master of the straight razor
Even a couple years later still worth a look.
Hey Lynn, Great videos. You restored and old Wade Butcher 7/8 for me years ago. I eventually got into taking care of my own collection after subscribing to the straight razor group on yahoo. Thanks so much for sharing. I have had years of collecting fun and restoration thanks to your information. Take care.
On the against the grain stroke or across the grain stroke, you may want to make sure you have less angle than with your normal with the grain stroke.
Thanks for the video, Lynn! Great stuff and very informative. You inspired me to make a strop today and I love how it works. I followed the dimensions you mentioned and it turned out great.
My order is on its way to me, ordered the feather ss to start to learn the use of the staight razor, will move slowly towards this, thank you awesome shop, shipped same day.
Thanks for making this video, great information and demonstration, will surely help me technique
Thanks for sharing Your expertise. I started using straight razors around 20yrs ago but after several years without I started to use them again a few weeks ago. Surely being no true beginner, you can always pick up something. A few days ago I had an idea for stropping training: carefully put electrical tape around the edge. This way You can train with the real razor without the danger of ruining strop or blade. I did this on my first honing project on a 10000 grid stone to get the feeling.
I have one of your strops on the way to me now. Looking forward to trying it out. Thanks for the educational videos
I probably use the hanging strop the most following honing razors every day, but I will use the paddle a lot when doing touch ups and the Big Livi for final stropping after testing razors.
Thanks for the great and informative presentation Lynn great job.
Thanks Michael, I do recommend stropping the razor 40-60 strokes on the leather before every use.
Excellent video. Very informative. I plan on watching Lynn's videos more.
My preference on the poly webbing is the chromium oxide crayon followed by the paste. The most important thing is to put it on very sparingly or just until you can see the color green. Works very well for refreshing the razor or at the end of a honing regiment. The sprays tend to soak in better on the felt which provides a nice cushion and result.
Thanks. I had never heard how many strokes or the purpose of the canvas before... I was using about 10 strokes, having my razor pull and going back to the hone (which I'm probably also doing incorrectly). Nice video.
Garfield #569 & ORAK Bagpiper here, I just started with a Merkur safety razor, however, I do see a straight razor in my future. Thanks for the lesson Brother.
Another great video by you. Have favourited this video. Please keep uploading videos like this!!!!
I like the .5 chromium oxide that is sold for razors. It is hard to find out how much chromium oxide is used in the polishing compounds, but if it is close to the .5, it should work fine. Don't cake it on. Just put enough on to see the color green.
Thanks Lynn great vids . Just bought some of your honing stones and strop and what I would like to see in your next video is how to apply the crayon or paste if you need it at all . I'm in Australia and I'd love to visit your store the next time I'm in the states . Cheers
Got it!!
Thanks so much for the quick response.
Your videos are clear, informative & very helpful.
Kind Regards,
Ken.
Most problems from stropping come from too much pressure being applied and then lifting the razor up at the end of the stroke vs. using just light pressure, a nice rhythm and rolling the razor on the spine to change directions. Other problems include trying to strop too fast or being too tentative which normally results in cutting the strop.
If you have rounded the edge over time from too much pressure, you can try to refresh the razor on the hones. I have not had much luck from using the strop to correct this.
Thanks lynn
Great one Lynn Thanks !
Hey Lynn; thanks for the great videos. I'd appreciate if you could do videos about how to use the straight razor as well as how to restore a strop that hasn't been used for some time (dried up and some dirt on...)
Normally, I just recommend rubbing the palm daily on the strop until the palm starts to feel warm. That usually will break in the strop nicely. I use chromium oxide or .5 diamond on the back of the webbing, leather part of the strop or on a separate piece of felt for refreshing and final honing. Thanks.
Thanks! Happy Holidays!
I usually shave with a razor once honed to determine how well it shaves. That really is my preferred test. If it pulls, it needs more sharpening. If it glides over the beard and doesn't remove any hair, there is probably a burr and It needs sharpening. For new shavers, the problem is usually not the razor unless they have done something to dull the razor. It normally is just a matter of more practice and improving your technique.
i see people using paste on it. Really? I thought the strop is just for realigning the edge and removing the burr. Now you can sharpen and put on edge on it on a strop by using paste bars? Is it the same as using whetstones?
@@arncj18 IMO the pastes are used more for refreshing especially at the higher grit levels and the stones more for honing and repair at lower grit levels.
@@LynnSAbrams it got a bevel on it, passed the tap and wobble test, i just need to sharpen, so 1k is good for starters?
@@arncj18 for me the 1K is for bevel setting.
I am fond of English Bridle and Kangaroo Strops and probably use these the most. On the Freemason question, contact a lodge near to where you live and let them know of your interest and you will receive guidance. Thanks.
Thanks for the tutorial. Couple of novice questions: I have just bought a two sided strop - leather and suede. What side do I begin/finish with? Leather or suede? Also, on what side/surface do I put the stropping paste on? And what paste. Many thanks
Most people strop a few strokes on the suede and then 30-50 strokes on the smooth leather. Some use pastes like .5 diamond or chromium oxide on the suede side for refreshing, not for daily use.
I normally strop 40-60 strokes prior to shaving and then 20-40 strokes after shaving before I put the razor up. A lot of people only strop prior to each shave using 30 strokes to up to 100 strokes. Lots of personal preference involved.
Thanks !
Great video Lynn!
Love these videos! Really informative. Please make more!
Mastro Livi said if you have a worked spine or any work on it, rotating the blade over the strop will damage the strop. He says a X stroke lifting the razor away from the strop and then bringing it back with the spine first then laying it flat is the best way. Will a worked spine really damage the strop?
I would recommend trying to find one within your budget on either ebay or one of the forum classified for sale sections. If you can find one with minimum wear, it would be a good thing. If you have a friend or contact who uses straight razors or who hones them, you might send them pictures of a razor for advice before you buy or PM me and I will try to help you.
Can a cheap strop dull a blade? And if so, any recommendations on a good, mid-priced hanging strop?
Do you need to do more laps or otherwise change your stropping on a strop with a heavy draw as opposed to a lighter draw?
Sterling Campbell The draw on your strop is the result of the type of leather you are using and is a personal preference thing imo. Normally 20-30 strokes should be good for a pre shave stropping although this can become a personal preference or what works best for you thing too.
Thank you , very much, friend.-
Thanks
I strop the razor I am going to use before shaving with it and I shave almost every day. I normally will not strop razors not in use at any given point in time.
i can remember my grandpappy using something along the line of ivory soap on the canvas. of course thats where i learned how to cuss too.
Lynn - quick question. I have sourced a few pieces of leather with the intent of making a strop board to place inside my shaving box. I am putting together. Again since i do 18th century reenacting, the shaving box i am putting together is along those lines of what you'd have seen in mid to late 1700's..Thats why i am making a board and not buying it. That said, I have sourced a few pieces of cow hide leathers of various thickness and have a few questions:
1.) What is suggested to use for gluing the leather and the cotton duck cloth material down to the board?. I have both Contact cement and 3M 77 spray glue...
2.) Is it best to use the thicker horse-tack type cow hide (like belt thickness or a hair thicker) or can i use a thinner yet much stiffer (not floppy) cowhide about 1/16th thick or doesn't it matter...so long as the leather being used is smooth (not dimpled) and glued down sturdy enough....my only thought it wearing out the thinner..but then again looks like most board strops do NOT use the thicker leather and lean towards the thinner semi stiff hide....thanks in advance
Anthony Consiglio IMO either of the sprays should work. Go light on the cloth material. Either of the leathers should work fine as they will be on the board. Good luck and have fun!
I see a lot of talk on forums about strop paste, when would you use it and how would you apply it?
Take a look at my refreshing video. That should help with both the pastes and sprays. Thanks.
Most people that use the canvas or linen side do 10-20 strokes followed by 40-60 on the leather.
Awesome Vid Bro!!!
question: does the spine remains in contact with the strop as you stropping? or it only touch the strop as u rolling the razor?
Both the spine and edge should be on the strop when stropping. You change directions by rolling on the spine. If you are stropping the edge with the spine off the strop, particularly with some pressure, you can dull the razor. Have fun.
Thank you, for the quick answer Mr. Abrams, same rule applies wen refreshing and honing?
Correct.
If you feel the towel rack is secure enough and that is a comfortable angle for you to strop a razor, then you should be fine.
Very informative as usual Lynn, that Mastro Livi monster strop is phenomenal. Which style of strop do you prefer most, hanging, paddle or loom?
Medina Lodge #58, Scottish Rite and Shriner. Let me know if I can ever help you out on your travels with wetshaving.
Lynn - Why is a hanging strop preferred over a paddle? According to what I understand about blade geometry, I can’t see any value in using a strop that may wrap around the apex at all.
Personal preference. With either the pressure should be light enough to keep the edge in good condition.
so just to reiterate, a strop paste is not totally necessary?
Great video!
Very informative, but I would like to purchase one of your 3 inch strops , do you have a website??🤔
Hello Lynn. Thanks for a very helpful video.
In your opinion, how many shaves with stropping after each time can a razor take before refreshing with chromium oxide is needed? In other words, how often is refreshing required?
I just purchased one of your Premium strops and installed a cup hook as per your videos. It works great. It's my first hanging strop. I really like the poly webbing. Thanks for all the great advice.
+Jeremy Vuozzo In my opinion, a freshly honed razor will last 2-3 months when used daily before refreshing is required. This is effected though by the thickness of your beard, experience and technique as well as the quality of your razor. I normally strop prior to every shave.
I actually damaged my 2"wide hanging strop because I didn't keep tension on it.
So I bought a paddlestrop. Still- when travelling, a hanging strop might be easier packing into you luggage.
I have a homemade strop...what do I do?
I just have a couple of questions for a starting straight razor shaver. Some reviews of certain products complain that the razor does not come shave ready, and suggests that it takes extra cycles of honing and stropping to prep it. Would you happen to know how many extra cycles? Also, after appyling the chromium oxide to your strop, how often should you re-apply it? (P.S. I do apologize if you went over this information in your video and I missed it)
Most razors do not come shave ready from the factory. I would recommend having them honed prior to use. I normally use chromium oxide only when the razor starts to pull a little. I do not have a set period of time for using it as a routine maintenance type thing.
Lynn Abrams Generally, about how often do razors need to be honed? I saw somewhere that you live in Cape Girardeau. I'm in Memphis. Do you think you might open a shop in Cape?
Hi there great video. I was told to use the leather side first and then finish off with canvas? Is that correct or is it the opposite way round??
I went to the website on this video, I couldn't find any.
Hey Lynn, thanks for putting up the video, very informative and appreciated. Question, I recently purchased a used horsehide strop 2-1/2" x 24" it has a canvas linen back, overall it appears to be in good shape. Should I treat the leather or canvas with anything before using it?
Thanks in advance
Ed...
In my opinion, if the leather is supple and the linen is fairly clean, you are good to go. You may want to rub your palm on the leather until your palm feels warm daily before use to keep it in good shape. Happy Holidays.
It is.
with the loom strop, when should I use the "green pasty side"? Should I use only the clean leather side, like 60 strokes for everyday use and the paste side only for touch ups? or would I use the paste side and leather side everyday (for example: 20 strokes on the paste side and 40 strokes on the leather)? thanks!
I only use the green side for touch ups as well using the leather side daily.
Lynn Abrams Thank you very much for this quick response! I bought a DOVO razor and a loom strop. Made my first experiment today!! I've watched your other video on straight razor shaving for beginners (30 times eheh) and only did a few passes to try on the cheek as you suggest, and did the rest with my DE razor. Boy it was fun, but a bit frightening at first!! Your videos and posts on forums are really helpful!! Thank you very very much!
P.S- Can this type of touch up substitute honing on a stone (at some extent)? That is, can I get to hone the blade less times if I do these touch ups? Since I don't have a honing stone and i'm quite inexperienced with razors. I only know how to sharpen knives
Manuel Rebello de Andrade It will help prolong the need to go to the stone in my opinion. When the touch ups quit working, you can then do a few strokes with the finishing stone followed by the green side and you should be able to maintain your razors with this process.
Hi, Mr. Abrams. I've heard you're the master at making a keen edge. I have a Dovo Palisander 6/8 full hollow ground that I bought from Superior Shave a couple months ago. I've shaved with it a hand full of times and it's my first straight. I fear, though, that my edge is getting dull as it feels like my hair is being pulled on the against the grain stroke. I bought a big daddy strop from star shaving, and that's what brings me here. Any thing I can do to test how sharp the blade is?
Check out the Strop Shot at Straight Razor Designs. Thanks.
Lynn,
If you have used too much pressure do you need to hone the razor or can you correct with stropping?
That massive mastro livi loom strop made me laugh. "He also makes this smaller variety of strops." It looks really top heavy, is it?
Scott Archi It is big, it is fun, it is really good!!
Hi, I have a sort of off topic question. But maybe you could help me :) Should I clean my soap lather cup after using it? I mean should I completely dry it or I just have to remove majority of lather?
Personal preference is the key here. Some folks clean the bowl and some leave the suds to dry in it.
before I put it away yesterday, I put a fine coat of oil on the razor, do I need to remove it before stropping or just strop the razor?Thanks in advance.
I normally rinse or wipe the oil off before stropping. YMMV.
i just ordered my first straight razor, i got on straightrazordesigns.com and was eye balling the " black latigo strop D ring " ....is that something that is good for a beginner like myself to use? and another question is, is there two different materials on either side of the strop? what is the reason for that and how many passes are you supposed to do on each side? i know in your video above you said about 10-20 on one side and then 40-60 on the other....but how do i know which side is which? thanks
Hey Lynn,
When do I need to use the canvas side of my strop?
Most people that use the canvas side, do 10-20 strokes YMMV, before using the leather strop prior to each shave.
If you have a strop that you've accidentally nicked a couple of times, you can barely feel the nicks with your fingertips - the only thing you feel is that it feels slightly different from the rest of the leather. Will that affect the blade and is there anything that could be done about it? Like using very fine sandpaper? I tried asking where I bought my razor but they didn't know exactly so I guess, who better to ask than you?
Some sand down the nicks and then use a sadlesoap to clean up the strop followed by some neatsfoot oil. I have nicked up almost every stop I have ever owned and if the nicks are small, they usually are not problematic. In most cases, I can even strop around them. Have fun.
Lynn Abrams
Thank you for the quick reply. I'll have to look up that oil, did it briefly but only found compounds with additives, so the search continues.
What would the advantage of a hanging strop be over a paddle strop? Anyone able to help me understand? Thank you
T.S. S In my opinion, which one you use is a matter of personal preference.
Hi Lynn, I just bought my first Damascus steel straight razor. Its sharp out the box but not sharp enough to shave. Im just wondering, do I have to strop it before my first use?
A lot of the Damascus razors sold by vendors other than people who custom make the razors are not very good shavers and don't hone up well for shaving.
Hi Lynn,
I think I may be over stropping my razor (Dovo Bismarck). Can you tell me the signs?
Thank You Sir.
Ken.
I have lots of questions since I'm planning of joining the art of using a straight razor. How long to strops and Naniwa Super Stones last for personal use? Also, after using a razor do you have to apply an oil right after use? If so, do you have to apply the oil after every shave? Thank you.
xPrestigiousMusic Strops and stones can last a lifetime with normal use although many new guys and experienced ones for that matter nick up their strops. NEVER get the scales of a razor wet. They are hard to dry out and if you do this, you will likely end up with a stained and rusted blade. Unless you live in an area of high humidity you probably won't have to oil the blade daily. You do need to make sure it is thoroughly dried before putting it up.
Lynn Abrams Thank you boss. I was on your site and was wondering if you were ever going to have another Dovo Mammoth Straight up for sale?
xPrestigiousMusic If Dovo decides to make them again. We'll have them. Thanks!
Medina Lodge #158. Let me know if I can help you out when you start honing. Fraternally
I bought a s razor kit and it came with a single leather piece. Do I need a cloth piece also or is this single leather piece sufficient? I curled my razor on my first stropping attempt does it need to be sharpened or can I strop it out?
It's a personal preference on the linen or cloth second strop. Some people use it and some don't. Depending on how bad, the edge is rolled, you many need to have it honed. Try a couple hundred strokes on the strop first and see if it helps. Don't use a lot of pressure on the strop and lift up at the end of your strokes as that can roll an edge. Roll the razor on the spine to change directions and light pressure is good for daily stropping.
Lynn Abrams Thanks for the response Lynn my curiosity got the best of me and I tackled it again. My problem was that I didn't focus on my form, rolling on the spine, and keeping the blades spine as a guide while working the strop. My blade is perfect right now, thank you for your tutorial videos and your guidance into this sport.
Mkay
Hi Lynn, thank you for you great tutorial, only one question, I need to use any compound in the canvas side?
Check out my refreshing video on UA-cam. Thanks.
Lynn Abrams Thank you!
Hey Lynn, just received my first straight after a few years of DE, it's a dovo 5/8, and I've sent it out to be honed properly before I use it. But I do want to learn to hone myself, is there a cheap brand razor you would recommend that would be good to learn with that's not going to be such a bad thing if I do happen to mess up?
What's the difference between stropping on leather and canvas?
In my experience, the canvas or poly web sets up the blade for the leather. Some people don't use anything but the leather which in my opinion is the final cleaning and polishing of the blade before each use. YMMV
thanks Lynn, awesome videos by the way!
Len I'm new to the art , bought a strop that has white leather seems harder and brown leather the seems more pliable with a canvasy back . Whats up with that ???
vince acquaviva There are tons of strops out there. Main thing is that it gives you good results. Hope it works out.
Thanks! You will love the store and we look forward to meeting you. Take a look at my refreshing video. I apply the crayon to a strop there.
Hi there smashing video, would you recommend stropping daily? I can send a link of the razor and stop I bought if it would help.
Thanks
MichaelB
Hmmmm k. Lol nice video thanks
What is the strop doing to the edge? I've heard it's straightening the edge. When do you use abrasive compounds like the green Magnesium paste?
+David Lange I usually only use pastes or sprays on strops when refreshing a razor at at the end of a honing regiment.
Thanks. Still learning over here.
Why would a semi rigid paddle strop be “good for travel”? When compared with something akin to wide belt? It isn’t, it’s just something people say for some reason.
Charles Thomas IMO leather straps tend to get bent in travel. If you cans wind them up in a circle, then better.
When do you know the strop needs to be oiled (conditioned).
I normally don't put any treatment on a strop unless I feel it starting to stiffen. I rub the palm of my hand up and down the strop until the palm feels warm before every use and this helps break in and condition a strop in my experience.
Where can we get one of those shirts?
great video. I'm really new to straight edge razor shaving. I'm trying to get strop. from your website sight which strop would you recommend. actually I'm making a shave den cabinet that I want to incorporate the strops with it. so I'm looking at the replacement strops on your website. so what do I need as far as strops go to maintain my razors. sooo many options I'm not sure what to get. your advice is greatly appreciated.
I normally recommend a three in strop as most razors are 3 inches long and I find them easier to use. For maintenance all you need to do is rub your palm up and down the strop until your palm feels warm before each use.
+Lynn Abrams so any of the 3 inch strop will do from your website?
+Vahan Muradkhanyan the most popular are the Premier I, Bridle and Roo.
+Lynn Abrams thank you very much.
good
once metal gets built up on this canvas what then?
Should not be a factor.
about how many strokes per side? and do you need stroping compound?
Leo Wizelman I normally do 10-20 strokes on the poly webbing and 30-50 on the leather. The only compounds I use are for refreshing the razor and not for every day use.
Lynn Abrams thank you so much! and what compounds are those that you use?
Leo Wizelman I use a chromium oxide crayon on the back of the poly webbing strop or chromium oxide or .5 diamond sprays on a felt strop.
so what would you recommend for a linen strop?
Leo Wizelman 10-20 would probably be fine on linen.
Not for every day stropping in my opinion.
Lmao shaving is a sport now? LOL you said it in the beginning.