Hello, I'm preparing to begin straight razor shaving. Few questions if you all don't mind: 1) How often should strop paste be applied to the strop? Is it in between every shave? 2) I plan on getting an Illinois strop. Do you apply the paste to the linen as well as the leather side? 3) I was planning on buying GBS 22ML single leather stop dressing. Is this all you need paste wise? Should I get something else for the linen side of the Illinois stop? 4) Should the above conditioning be done before the first use of the strop? I know it must be cleaned first with rubbing alcohol and sandpaper if not mistake. 5) I plan on buying a Dovo straight razor. Before the first use, should it be stropped? Thanks all and best.
Can't answer all your questions, but regarding #5, no, it does not need to be stropped before first use. If new, it does need to be sharpened by a professional like @gssixgun before first use.
#1 I re-paste with CrOx,,,,, NOT the one most people use,,, about every 500 razors Paste should be the most pure you can attain DO NOT PASTE YOUR EVERYDAY STROP just DONT !!!!! #2 I recommend the #127 or the #827 same strop different finish and draw... NO Paste is recommended on it at all 127 = Fast Light Draw 827 = Med Heavy Draw #3 I have no clue what that even is #4 NOoooooooooooooo Just NO !!! Rub the strop with the heel of you hand every time before you use it, nothing more for at least 6 months, probably the life of the strop #5 The chances of a Dovo being Shave Ready from the factory is pretty low.... Stropping is probably not going too solve that issue
Eh...yeah, regarding #4. A strop only needs to be sanded down if that's the only way to restore the surface, so only applies to very vintage or mistreated strops. I can't fathom any situation where a person would put rubbing alcohol on a strop.
My Dovo and Illinois strop came in but haven't used them yet. I am purchasing the Norton 3000/8000 block which will arrive tomorrow to hone/sharpen. Should it be soaked in water for 15 minutes before use?
Just to clarify BEFORE I give you the wrong advice Norton makes a 4/8 if this is what you bought then YES the hone needs to be soaked at least 15 minutes the 4k is rather thirsty the 8k is not but you soak the whole thing If is is NOT a Norton 4/8 then this advice may or may not apply, we would need more info I have a couple of Norton vids on my channel This is a pretty old one ps: Strop the razor and try a shave FIRST that way you know where you are starting at THIS !!!!
This is another with a different approach I am only Killing the edge for a part of the JaNorton challenge, you do NOT need to do the same
I've just purchased a new leather strop. However it has a raised imperfection on it. Should I send it back? It is pretty close to the end.
Depends on how long your draw is, how much of the strop you use. My draw, or stroke, is only 12-13 inches. Useable stropping area on my strop is 17 inches. I strop on the middle section of that, so I have 2-3 inches on each end of the useable area where the blade never touches. If the blemish is outside your stropping area, you're fine. If you are one who uses the entire length of the strop, maybe send it back. All depends on what you're willing to live with.
Thanks [mention]swarden43 [/mention] Is it possible to remove? Could I use a sharp blade to slice it off?
Call me Steve. Sure, I guess you could slice it off. How steady is your hand? Two things come to mind with that, though: 1) It will probably leave a light mark unless the dye was able to penetrate pretty deep B) If you mess it up, you can't return the strop. Okay, 3 things: III) If you slip, you wind up with a nasty gouge in your strop. And, again, you can't send it back. I'd use a butter knife and determine how long your stroke is and how much of the strop you're using. If you're not reaching that blemish, I'd leave it and live with it.