Do you use your strap??

[ambrose]

If you own a fabric strap do you find yourself using it? I have recently found myself more fond of just the back side of the leather and then the topside.

 

[Leche]

I just started using one recently when I got my TM. I think it helps although I have been thinking about adding Dovo White to it to maximize its performance.

 

[mparker762]

I use the fabric more than the leather. Since I started using the fabric side heavily (~2 1/2 yrs ago) I hage only had one razor get dull enough to need rehoning. In that one it had a curved blade so the strop wasn't getting to the inside of the curve very efficiently.

 

[FTG]

I use my home made denim strop before I go to my leather strop.

Not sure what difference it makes - I think stropping makes a difference, just not sure about the cloth plus leather.

All the best,
Michael.

 

[Seraphim]

I just started using one recently when I got my TM. I think it helps although I have been thinking about adding Dovo White to it to maximize its performance.

Yes, add the Dovo white! It will make your canvas work wonders.

 

[tg16]

I have a cotton and I use it then the leather. It is a marked and noticable difference from when I used leather only.

 

[The Knize]

If you own a fabric strap do you find yourself using it? I have recently found myself more fond of just the back side of the leather and then the topside.

The backside just plain or with one paste or another?

I have a TM with just the latigo and no fabric. I just bought a fabric strop. If I thought I could get by without the fabric and just use the back of the leather, I would be happy!

 

[The Knize]

The backside just plain or with one paste or another?

I have a TM with just the latigo and no fabric. I just bought a fabric strop. If I thought I could get by without the fabric and just use the back of the leather, I would be happy!

Well I have been using my new strap--cotton herringbone, no pastes, from SRD, if I recall, 2.0 inches (I think you Ambrose tipped me to the source for a reasonably priced strap, thanks)--and I am surprised but it seems to make a difference from just using the back of the latigo. Seemed to make the blade/shave smoother. Also, this is a very close shave that I got this morning without any extra effort. (Sheffield, 1/2 hollow, about 7/8, if I recall.) I do not think it is from just stropping longer/more. I stropping a good amount on the latigo before each shave, front and back.

I have to say I am really surprised it would make a noticeable difference, but it it seems to. As usual, I cannot really vouch for my stropping technique, although it seems to get the job done. I sure was not complaining--I did not think there was any irritation or anything and I thought I was getting plenty close with a reasonable amount of effort--before I got the strap.

As I write this, even, I feel skeptical about it!

Any thoughts on the hard wool straps?

 

[mdunn]

i never used to, but I do now - i prefer it

 

[ambrose]

I find it really helps keep the edge nice and keen, vs not using one.

 

[Antique Hoosier]

Use it everyday...usually 35 laps on it and 35 to 50 on the leather....

 

[richmondesi]

Use it everyday...usually 35 laps on it and 35 to 50 on the leather....

I do this as well but total including before and after shaves