Thread: Practice Strop?

Hey everybody, I was talking to my dad about the fact I needed to buy a strop before my straight came in and when I told him I was planning on making a homemade denim strop he told me not buy a leather strop and to use a leather weight belt our uncle had given us. Now I still plan on buying a strop online, but I was wondering if I could use the weight belt to practice my stropping? I'm posting a few pictures I took of it so you guys can see what I'm working with (by the way, please ignore the bears, I recently graduated from high school).

If you're practicing with a butter knife, you can practice on anything. I'm not sure I'd use it on a new razor, but it might work if you're careful.

FWIW --

I was stropping a Dovo Best Quality on a real strop, laid on a table. Using an X-stroke, I could see the edge bend _slightly_ as it came in contact with the strop, and where it came off the strop. I'd never noticed that happen when stropping with a taut strop in the air, but I've never looked for it, either. It reminded me of just how delicate the edge of a razor is.

Strops really want to be pretty flat. It looks like this weight belt has all kinds of waves and curves. And it looks wider than a typical blade -- "wide" strops seem to be about 3", not more.

So you could practice with it, using a razor you didn't care about, or a non-razor.

Charles

Originally Posted by cpcohen1945

FWIW --

I was stropping a Dovo Best Quality on a real strop, laid on a table. Using an X-stroke, I could see the edge bend _slightly_ as it came in contact with the strop, and where it came off the strop. I'd never noticed that happen when stropping with a taut strop in the air, but I've never looked for it, either. It reminded me of just how delicate the edge of a razor is.

Strops really want to be pretty flat. It looks like this weight belt has all kinds of waves and curves. And it looks wider than a typical blade -- "wide" strops seem to be about 3", not more.

So you could practice with it, using a razor you didn't care about, or a non-razor.

Charles

Yeah, I was hesitant about it since the leather was pretty firm. I was planning on smoothing it out with a bottle but I'm pretty sure I won't use this to practice stropping, at least not with a razor. Thanks for the help.

Rub some neats foot on it,put it between two 2x4's..the put a brick on top to smush it flat. then tell your old man that if he doesn't buy you a strop you will join the local interpretive dance club...right after you get you nose ring, dye your hair blue and visit him at work in your tights...

Josue; If you haven't already convinced your dad to get you a real strop, shoot me a PM. I have an unused Tony Miller practice strop that you can have. just sent me your address. I'd hate to see someone who's man enough to use a straight razor have to resort to blue hair and tights, lol.
And congratulations on the graduation.

Don

Originally Posted by DMHarper

Josue; If you haven't already convinced your dad to get you a real strop, shoot me a PM. I have an unused Tony Miller practice strop that you can have. just sent me your address. I'd hate to see someone who's man enough to use a straight razor have to resort to blue hair and tights, lol.
And congratulations on the graduation.

Don

Thanks, I'd REALLY appreciate it. As much as I'd like to try Wintchase's idea, I don't think I have the time and/or lack of dignity to do so.

No problem. I'll put it in the mail tuesday morning.

I would pass on the weight belt. Seems like there is too much "stuff" on it that could damage a fine razor. I've always advocated using razors made in Pakistan for practice. they also make passable box cutters if the box isn't too thick.

Cheap strops are easily had from a few vendors but your best bet is to, once sufficient funds are to be had, man up and buy a nice one. The SRD strops have replaceable leather.