Birthday present

[StG58]

So, @MikekiM - Finally got to storage and dug out my strop (and water stone set). Did a little looking. The manufacturer is still in business, but I didn't see any horsehide strops. Just cowhide.

This is going to take some practice. The edge on that Henckles visibly flexes if pushed to hard. I'm guessing that a very light touch is required.

 

[MikekiM]

So, @MikekiM - Finally got to storage and dug out my strop (and water stone set). Did a little looking. The manufacturer is still in business, but I didn't see any horsehide strops. Just cowhide.

View attachment 597273

View attachment 597274
This is going to take some practice. The edge on that Henckles visibly flexes if pushed to hard. I'm guessing that a very light touch is required.

Illinois Strop Company. A nice piece. They have been around for ages and stand the test of time. What's the fabric side? Cotton or Linen?

Most full hollows will flex a little if man-handled. Can't think of any situation where you would put that much pressure in it.. even (especially) when honing.

If your strop has been unused for any period of time, it might need some prep before you have the first go at it. Over the course of a few days, just rub the leather vigorously with the palm of your hand.. until you feel some heat. It will depart some of the oils in your skin to the leather and soften it. I do that before every stropping.

Go slow and deliberate. Most common challenge is the flip at the end of the stroke coming too early resulting in little bites/cuts at either end of the leather.

At present, I have four strops.. A Tony Miller horsehide & soft cotton.. super fast and slick. Almost too fast. A custom ScrupleWorks Horween Leather & linen.. Lots of drag, almost magnetic. Really sexy to use. My favorite. Also have a neat hand-held strop board with Horween leather that's great for little pick-me-ups and an inexpensive double sided strop board that is unknown leather on both sides. One side left smooth and the other I sanded some nap into it and lightly pasted. It stays in my honing box.

Only pics I can find are of the ScrupleWorks...

 

[StG58]

As near as I can tell, it's linen. Heavy with a waxy finish. That strop has never been used. I did as you suggested with the leather strop. It's coming along nicely. Thanks for the advice!