stropping advice please?

[stwesterner]

I just started stroppng, i want to do it the right way but i need to keep it simple. What is the best all around compound, i don't want to have to use 10 different kinds either. Is there any difference in the leather on the strops or can i just buy one and not worry.

Any general tips or suggestions on stropping are appreciated?

thanks fellows

 

[DennisStrickland]

not a strop xpert here & not sure the type of leather is important. that said most of the ole timey barber strops were horsehide & i've heard the most desirable was porpoise hide.--dennis

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

As for compound, either the green (chromium oxide) or the diamond (pastes, spray) are the favorites. The green stuff is very effective and very inexpensive over the long run (about $6 - $8 for a 6 oz. bar, which will last a VERY long time). The green compound can also be found in powder or liquid/paste form, from some vendors. Obviously, the diamond is more spendy, but has the best reputation overall.

As for leather, when used with compound, doesn't really matter what type. Simple veg-tanned cowhide will be fine for that. It can be bought for cheap at someplace like a Tandy Leather outlet, or a saddle shop. It can be used effectively without compound, too (it's what most commercially available strops are made of anyway).

For bare leather stropping, horsehide seems to be the favorite. I haven't tried it yet, but probably will eventually.

Here's a link to an excellent thread on making your own strop (thanks to zyhano :thumbup:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=770338