Thread: Strop Advice Needed

Hi:

I am assembling my first setup and the last thing needed to get started is a strop. I have a 6/8 Kropp and a 7/8 Dorko razor. I was going to find a good quality 3" strop, but have noticed some comments about "cupping". Also, many comments from pros stating their preference for 2.5".

--Do all 3" strops eventually cup? And does one have to pinch it to compensate? Or are some thicker or stiffer and don't require that?

--What about 2.5"?

--Do basic cowhide strops need a lot of break in and oiling compared to higher end and/ or non-cow?

Would appreciate any comments.

Thanks,
Harry
Salt Lake City, UT

The strop should be flat, if not you will need to do some conditioning. As long as you get a quality strop, you shouldn't have much problems. I would get your strop first, and then if it is cupped, or eventually gets cupped, then address that issue at that time.

But do get a quality strop. I started with a cheap strop, and it was stiff, heavily waxed, and cupped. It was a pain in the ass to get it softened up, give it some pull, and get rid of the cupping.

Even now it's still a little cupped, so I do a hand rubbing to warm it up and imbue my hand oils into it, then I give the edges a gentle bend downward.

I bought a 3" Vintage Brands red latigo that was severely cupped new (it extended about 1/3 across the middle of the stop).

I had read you had to be careful using Neats Foot Oil to not use too much. I decided it would be more conservative to use just lather from soap and a beer bottle to rub it out. I used a very dry mix of lather.

The first application helped remove some of it, but there was still some left. 2 weeks later I did a several more applications in one session, and gave it a good rubbing with the beer bottle after each lather application.

Pinching did absolutely nothing on mine.

It seems to be much better now, but it did alter the draw.

I can't address any of your other questions because this is the only strop I've used.

Kent

The wider the strop the more likely it can cup however cupping is not a natural condition in a quality strop but if you don't want to entertain the possibility just get the narrower strop. A good quality strop will not need much break-in. Either some palm work with your hands or the old rolling pin or bottle trick and maybe some conditioner or oil depending on how stiff it is. There are some that are just stiffer than others and that's just the way it is but this doesn't affect it's performance. As long as it's quality you have no worries they all do the same job no matter the critter it comes from or the type of finish.

I just started using a straight in early October. The answer for me was a paddle strop. It's glued to the paddle, on both sides (2 strops). It can't cup or twist while stropping....which is important if you're just starting out.

I cut my own strops now and have experimented with various widths between 3" and 2", and prefer 2". (2", 2.5" and 3".) I didn't have trouble with cupping with the three inch. But, I didn't feel comfortable stropping vertically exclusively. So, even with the 3" strop I spend most of my time using X passes. That took away much of the advantage of the 3" compared to the 2" strop.

The other reason I prefer the 2" strop to the 3" strop is feel. I think I have a better sense of what the strop is doing with the 2" strop. With the three inch, somehow the tactile sense and awareness if not as acute.

Finally, even though i have personal preference, I think it is just that. No doubt, any size will do very well.

I have used 2, 2.5, and 3" strops. Most recently, I have been using almost exclusively the 3" black latigo strop. I am simply not fond of using an "X" pattern while stropping compared to a simple verticle pattern I use on the 3". IMO, if you buy a quality 3" strop and if you keep it properly conditioned, there is a minimal chance of cupping. There are more things in life that have a greater chance of ruining your day than a quality strop cupping on you. IOW, the satisfaction of getting a razor to strop so easily and thoroughly far outweighs the concern that the strop might cup.