Newb strop. Have questions.

[Skarkowtsky]

Hi Guys,

I have an antique, two-piece strop in the mail, hasn't arrived yet. It's in great shape and will need minimal 600x refinement, followed by Neatsfoot treatment. The second strop included is canvas, and appears to be in fine, but dirty shape.

I've read and seen people recommend linen opposed to canvas? Why is this? Should I use the canvas side at all? If so, when would I strop on the canvas?

I know in the order of stropping, it will come before the leather strop at times. But, I'm not sure at which times.

I also plan to buy a third, single leather strop to treat with CrOx. I was given instructions from the gentleman that honed my blades regarding when to use the CrOx strop. He also gave me instructions for stropping before my shave. However, he doesn't use linen or canvas, just the clean leather strop and stones (when needed), so he couldn't recommend a time to use canvas or linen.

If I had to guess, I'd say that I'd only use the canvas or linen strop after a CrOx strop, but before the clean leather strop. Sort of as a middle-ground buffer when using Crox. Never just use the canvas or linen before a shave. Am I correct?

Thanks for helping!
John

 

[Kentos]

Hey John grats on the strop pick up.

I believe linen will actually sharpen up a blade oh-so-little every time you strop. I don't get the same feeling from canvas. However stropping on both will ensure that your edge is nice and clean prior to going to leather, or after a shave.

I would use the crox anytime your blade starts to feel less than sharp enough.

So, I use the fabric component every time I strop, 40 on linen 40 on leather. When the edge feels it needs some help I go 20 on my pasted strops then 40 linen 40 leather. YMMV of course, and there is no right or wrong way- only the way it works for you.

 

[Skarkowtsky]

Kent,

Thank you for the great advice. I'll try your method, and make adjustments, if needed. Silly question, but is there any chance that old canvas that might be stiff can ruin a blade edge?

I won't know the condition until its in my hand.

My idea is to substitute the linen in your method, for my canvas.

John

 

[Kentos]

Sure, anything is possible. However it would have to be pretty extreme to damage something assuming your technique is sound. I would worry more that the strop is not flat as you pull it taut.

Post some pics when you get it and we will help straighten you out .

 

[Skarkowtsky]

Touché. Thankfully, from what I've seen, the strop, both pieces, are flat as a board.