My father was a barber way back before and during WWII and used strops for his straight razors. He passed away a few years ago and recently on a trip home to visit my mother I brought back with me a couple of strops he had just to see what if anything they might do for me. One was a horsehide that was like new. I haven't used any diamond paste or abrasive powder on them just used them as they are for edge straightening in combination with a few light strokes on the steel. I gotta say I'm kinda liking it. It seems to bring back that shavin sharp edge with out to much effort. I suppose if the knife is dull to begin with you would need the abrasive paste or powder but I don't use it for that. Just wondering if anyone else has any experience with them and how they use them. Appreciate any input thanks and HAGD!
i never thought of that. i would be interested in trying it though. maybe next time i visit my barber i ll ask if he has an old one i can have.
they're not real cheap so I kind of doubt if he'd give you one but you can make one easy enough from a piece of leather from a craft shop or leather/canvas repair shop. There's quite a few youtube videos online regarding this also.
You can use any good, old leather belt. It is my understanding it puts a finishing shine on the bevel, and fines the feather so that the edge lasts longer.
I have not tried it yet, perhaps, I will give it a go this week.
