Thread: Do I need to use the canvas?

I read the wiki and didnt see anything about this. Do I need to strop on the canvas and the leather, pr is the leather enough? when do I need to use the canvas?

I have a home made denim strop which does the same job as a canvas or linen strop very well. I use it before leather and it has added much to the success of my stropping. I do 20 stroke on denim and 60 on leather beofre every shave then 15-20 on denim after to make sure the razor is fully dry.

Like many aspects of straight razors, using the canvas strop is a matter of personal preference. For myself, I find the canvas indispensable. It acts like a vary mild hone, and I believe that it can be used hone all but the bluntest of edges. I have gone almost a year with a new stainless Dovo using only canvas and leather. I have yet to use anything else on it.

As already mentioned, the canvas helps to keep the blade sharp, thereby lengthening the time between honings.

I was recently given 7 straight razors from my old Boy Scoutmaster. They were his fathers, brothers, and brother in-laws.

They are all in nice shape, the Geneva looks almost brand new. They would all cut arm hairs easily, not 'Pop' but close to it! I decided to see if any of them would be able to shave at all.

I stropped the first one 100 laps on the linen of a brand new Illinois 827. I then stropped 100 laps on the 827's leather, then an additional 100 laps on my trusty vintage Genuine Shell strop.

I did my usual face prep,lathered up and----I got a Very Nice Shave! Two passes and it was as close to BBS as I can get with even a freshly honed razor. I had no nicks, cuts, razor burn or any irritation! Now mind you the edge didn't feel 'Scary Sharp' but it was Very Smooth!

I've repeated the above on 3 additional razors with the exact same result! I Swear to God!

I'm going to try another razor tonight! I don't expect to be disappointed!

Do you NEED to use the canvas? No. Should you? Absolutely. Material stropping is integral to maintaining a sharp razor and prolonging the time between honings. You could get by with leather alone, as I'm sure many gentlemen have, but it's best to have a material strop as well.

I am slightly puzzled why people ask if they should use their linen/canvas component - I say if you have it, use it. It's all part of the arsenal

Originally Posted by Ryan82

I am slightly puzzled why people ask if they should use their linen/canvas component - I say if you have it, use it. It's all part of the arsenal

Methinks you done hit the nail on the head right there Ryan...

Originally Posted by Ryan82

I am slightly puzzled why people ask if they should use their linen/canvas component - I say if you have it, use it. It's all part of the arsenal

Well, I am new to the whole thing and was not sure. Sorry I thought this was a place where people new to straight razor shaving could ask questions.

Originally Posted by aramirez626

Well, I am new to the whole thing and was not sure. Sorry I thought this was a place where people new to straight razor shaving could ask questions.

aramirez,

No need to apologize. No harm intended...None taken.

Keep on asking those questions chief.

Well, I'm still puzzled. I have two strops that have linen components. I've used them because I had them and felt that they were a good stropping stage prior to smooth leather. I've had blades that had delicate edges, I'm guessing, and the linen sides were somewhat harsh on them. I've recently moved away from using the linen because it seems so rough compared to the smooth leather. So, while I'm prepared to use all the tools in my arsenal, I"m more confident about using some of those tools when I know a bit more about what it is precisely that they do and what their specific function is. I get good results with smooth leather, so lately I've been avoiding the linen sides because I'm having trouble justifying their purpose vis-a-vis smooth leather.