Here we are, a dedicated Straight Razor room.

[Laz in Tampa]

I see some other threads have made their way in here, but this is the first message for the dedicated Straight Razor room here at Badger and Brush.

A welcome to all, please post your questions and share your experiences.

 

[rtaylor61]

Laz,
Looks a bit empty here in your "dedicated" room, so I'll throw out the first question and hopefully get things started! I see where the Norton 4k/8k seems to be the hone of preference, but I really don't see a predominant strop. Which would you recommend, hanging vs. paddle? What are the advantages of using cutting paste? I guess I'm asking for a strop education!

Thanks in advance.

Randy

 

[Laz in Tampa]

Hey, cut me some slack, Joel just told me the new board was up this morning! haha

Hanging vs paddle is more a personal preference. A paddle strop takes the guesswork out of the "how tight do I pull the hanging strop" question. Plus it is easier to use while traveling, no questions as to where to hang it. Hanging strops are traditionally used in barber shops, and many are not even aware that paddle strops can be used.

Pastes, now thats a whole different story. A plain leather strop is used before each shave, to re-align the micro teeth on the very edge of the razor. Most pastes are made to basically "touch up" a slightly dulled razor, as opposed to having to go to the hone. Of course, as nothing is ever set in stone, there are coarser pastes, such as diamond pastes, to resharpen a razor instead of using a hone.

A plain leather strop should be used last, after pasted strops, or a hone. If you do choose to use a paste on your strop, make sure it is a dedicated strop, only to be used for that particular grit paste. Always wipe off your razor after a pasted strop, to not cross contaminate other strops.

Strop conditioner is sometimes called strop paste, but it simply keeps the leather supple, and has no abrasive qualities.

 

[rschul2]

Welcome aboard Laz! Looking forward to more of your posts.

 

[Rik]

Welcome Laz! I look forward to learning more about straight razor usage. I have the interest, just haven't taken that leap of faith.

 

[Laz in Tampa]

There is a bunch of us who use them, and we ain't cut our faces off yet!

If you are interested, I can send you one, honed up and ready to shave if you'd like to try it out. PM me if you'd like to try.

 

[Scotto]

Welcome Laz!

I will also follow with interest the straight razor talk. I am sure you will have more converts as time goes on, including (perhaps ) myself.

 

[rtaylor61]

Hey, cut me some slack, Joel just told me the new board was up this morning! haha

We are glad to have you hear, and look forward to your input, not only on straight razors, but on all areas of the board. Otherwise, I think Joel is going to charge you rent!

I know I have a lot of learning to do, but for example, you send me a honed razor ready to use, I would expect my only true maintenance, at least initially, would be to use a plain leather strop daily before the shave? I ask this to clarify your statement:

A plain leather strop should be used last, after pasted strops, or a hone.

Your statement above would be referring to the order of sharpening a blade?

Just trying to learn!

Randy

 

[Laz in Tampa]

Honing usually needs to be done every few months. A razor can be "touched up" with a pasted strop every week to every few weeks, depending on usage, and steel quality. A plain leather strop should be used before every shave.

 

[rtaylor61]

Thanks Laz...thought that was correct!

Now...if I can find a strop...

Randy

 

[Laz in Tampa]

You *can* use an old belt, held taut, if the leather is smooth. You *can* use the inside of your forearm as well-- PLEASE BE CAUTIOUS, NOT FOR THE INEXPERIENCED!!!!!
You can also strop on your jeans, or a peice of cardboard, vinyl notebook cover, etc.

 

[rtaylor61]

I was referring to the real thing. I have a Waterville I bought from Joel a couple of months ago...am ready to give it a try, but think it needs to be stropped first.

Randy

 

[joel]

I have used a TON of strops - however my personal favorite is the Col. Conk strop made by dovo. It has incredibly soft, tight canvas, which works wonders at putting an incredibly fine edge on the razor, especially when coupled with white paste. The stropping surface (leather) is the perfect size, and does one heck of a job - better than the $60+ dovo's I have! I believe the smallest sized dovo 2-sided strop is identical to the col conk.

 

[rtaylor61]

I had a strop as a kid... don't ask me what it was... can't remember.

Larry, we are about the same age, and I had a strop as a kid, also. However, I do remember what it was ...a belt, switch off of anything growing nearby, well, you get the picture. But I digress...

Randy

 

[Rik]

I have used a TON of strops - however my personal favorite is the Col. Conk strop made by dovo. It has incredibly soft, tight canvas, which works wonders at putting an incredibly fine edge on the razor, especially when coupled with white paste. The stropping surface (leather) is the perfect size, and does one heck of a job - better than the $60+ dovo's I have! I believe the smallest sized dovo 2-sided strop is identical to the col conk.

Where would I be able to pick up one of these?

 

[rtaylor61]

Rik,

I'm guessing this is what Joel is talking about:

http://www.col-conk.com/straight.htm

Randy

YGPM

 

[Laz in Tampa]

I got a Dovo strop just like that, but it is on loan to a prospetive straight shaver I work with. Nice strop, but a tad thin for my tastes.

 

[Rik]

I got a Dovo strop just like that, but it is on loan to a prospetive straight shaver I work with. Nice strop, but a tad thin for my tastes.

Laz, What is your strop of choice?

 

[Laz in Tampa]

I went to www.handamerican.com and ordered some stropping leather. I made my own. I like making stuff. I also have an Illinois strop, bit from what I have seen, the Dovo strops are a bit higher in quality.

 

[Macau shaver]

Just a quick off topic question. I am new to the straights at 40 years old. I have a strop and pastes but my question is how often I need to get my razor rehoned, I live in Asia so this requires shipping as the necessary skills don't apparently exist here of a high quality.