Thread: Pic of strop - is the strop doing right?

Or am I doing something wrong? Notice the edges of the strop? I've used it for 5 days, starting carefully with it on the counter top. When I hooked it on post, and pulled it taut, the edges are starting to shred/shed. Is this normal? Thanks!
(filly strop)

Welcome to SRP. Is that the end closest to your hand and the side facing your body ? If it is you are doing the same thing I did when I used to hold the razor between my thumb and the first joint of my forefinger and turned my wrist as I stropped.

Once I read the 1961 barber manual excerpt on honing and stropping in the SRP Wiki help files here I re-learned stropping their way. Holding the tang between the tips of the thumb and forefinger and not turning the wrist fixed that for me.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Welcome to SRP. Is that the end closest to your hand and the side facing your body ? If it is you are doing the same thing I did when I used to hold the razor between my thumb and the first joint of my forefinger and turned my wrist as I stropped.

Once I read the 1961 barber manual excerpt on honing and stropping in the SRP Wiki help files here I re-learned stropping their way. Holding the tang between the tips of the thumb and forefinger and not turning the wrist fixed that for me.

Yes - exactly! Thank you! I'm off to read the link you so kindly linked. Much appreciated!
Is my strop 'ruined'? Would it be advisable to use a pumice stone on it to smooth it out (if that's possible)?
MUCH Thanks!!

From what I can see in the photo it looks alright to me. You could smooth it out with pumice for fine sandpaper if it bothers you or if you feel it when you're stropping.

Thank you! (beginner's worry's!) AND I've just increased my skills!! Double thanks!!

Hi there,

I have the same strop you have and by looking at the picture that looks like the reverse side of the strop which is why it has the green paste on it. I don't think that's the side you're supposed to use to strop your razor with. Either that or I've been doing it wrong for over two months now Hopefully someone can clear this up for me.

KWood34

Looks like the pasted reverse side to me too. Only need to use that side once a month or so. Can you give us a photo of the other side?

Yea, it looks like a big hunk if Muenster cheese to me. Think of all the wear and tear you've saved on the real side though!

What does the other side look like?

Hi, yes that is the pasted side. My original query was over the "shredding" that was occurring on the edges. And yes, the other side is the one for daily use. A year later and I still use this strop periodically. I have put CeOx on it from Glen, and it works wonders after using the Barber's Hone. My daily strop now is the Illinois #827. Quite a satisfactory setup!

Once I read the 1961 barber manual excerpt on honing and stropping in the SRP Wiki help files here I re-learned stropping their way. Holding the tang between the tips of the thumb and forefinger and not turning the wrist fixed that for me. [/QUOTE]


you know jimmy id be amazed if i went one day without seeign you break out your holy bible of shaving . lol This is one of the most usefull books ive ever seen and i think its great that you think to break out the link so often.