Stropping is the process of maintaining a razor blade, with a threefold objective of cleaning, undoing damage caused by shaving, and realigning the razor’s edge. Every time you shave, the razor blade suffers from microchips and rust. In order to keep the blade sharp and in good working order, you must consistently strop before you set blade to skin. The material of the strop is just as essential as a solid stropping method. And when it comes to material, preference is the ultimate determinant. As with mattress firmness or the rigidity of a car’s suspension, each person has a different taste for strop material – some like it hard, others like it soft, while there are many who fall somewhere in between. If you’re stumped about which strop to get, check out our primer on strop materials and their particularities.
Cowhide
Russian:
Cowhide made using Russian tanning methods. It has an agreeable draw that is preferred by many shavers today.
Latigo:
Cattle hide tanned with alum and gambier. Durable and supple, it has a greater draw than English bridle leather.
English Bridle:
Vegetable-tanned leather that is smooth and firm. A large grain pattern gives English bridle strops considerable draw.
Horsehide
Natural Horsehide:
Vegetable-tanned leather from the sides of horses that has been used for stropping for over 100 years. Natural horsehide is supple but requires a relatively longer break-in period than cowhide. Horsehide has a smaller grain pattern than latigo leather and provides a medium draw.
Genuine Cordovan Shell:
Leather from the membrane found under the skin of a horse’s rear. Difficult sourcing and an intensive tanning process make genuine cordovan shell very expensive – albeit well worth the investment.
