Thread: Just bought Jemico 18" is it strop ready?

Do I need to put paste on or should I just use out of box? I heard rubbing/touching it occasionally with palms is good as it transfers oil onto the strop to protect it?

Just try using it brand new. It'll probably work just fine new. If you'd like it more supple or have a little more draw, only then should you use some kind of strop conditioner on it. Rubbing it with your hands is an excellent way to keep a strop nice and supple, so that is something you could do. I believe most strops do come ready to use.

Hey Dave where do u get your razors honed? I'm in Toronto!

Originally Posted by stainer3

Hey Dave where do u get your razors honed? I'm in Toronto!

When I was learning I sent them to floppyshoes, since he's in Quebec. I've honed a few of razors since then, but I'm still learning! I would PM floppyshoes, since it's not that far to send to him, and it's in Canadian dollars!

Too bad, floppyjoes is closed shop until May due to moving! I'll have to make due without a proper honing until i can send it to him.

There are other honemeisters here on srp, but they're pretty much all in the us. Just check out the classifieds here, I'm sure you can send it to one of them. Only difference is you'll pay $US....I avoid that whenever possible!

I was just thinking, before I buy one could I simply use the leather of an old jacket or are strop leathers treated in a certain way?

Instead of using an leather jacket, I'd recommend buying a 3" wide strip of balsa wood from a hobby shop or hardware store. It's good for beginners because it's cheap (~$3), flat, and wide. Another cheap option is the philly strop from RupRazor.com for $20 (shipping included). However it's only 2" wide and you'll have to learn x-pattern stropping to use it.
One last thought on the balsa, it can be tightly wrapped with 2 sheets of newspaper to add a few microns of grit.

thank you... off to B&Q for some balsa

Originally Posted by StraightRazorDave

Just try using it brand new. It'll probably work just fine new. If you'd like it more supple or have a little more draw, only then should you use some kind of strop conditioner on it. Rubbing it with your hands is an excellent way to keep a strop nice and supple, so that is something you could do. I believe most strops do come ready to use.

Thanks, but what about the canvas side? is it ready to use? Thanks