Leather Strop For Cut Throat Razor

Having used a shavette razor over some years for beard trimming, I thought it was high time to invest in a straight razor and learn how to keep it sharp.

These things are very expensive unless you buy a chinese nock-off, but the ability to give a comfortable and close shave is all in the know-how, the steel and the heat treatment.

With that said I went with a Dovo straight razor from Solingen in Germany where they have been making razors for over a century.

Now, being a leatherworker means that I can make my own strop which is needed to maintain the cutting edge in order to go on shaving.

For the handle I sandwiched case board in between two 3mm layers of English bridle leather and saddle stitched with 332 Lin Cable at 5 spi. The edges have been skived thinner for a more comfortable hold

Either end is a set of 3 solid brass Chicago screws that hold on to a 3 1/8'' strip of un-dyed vegtan russet that I split down to 2.5mm.

The whole ensemble is connected to a large solid brass swivel trigger clip.

The flesh side has a light coating of Dialux Vert compound to polish the edge every so often when needed between stropping.

The razor didn't come with a 'shave ready' edge, but a few swipes on the compound and a minute or so on the grain side and it was as sharp as any disposable razor from my shavette.

The handle and top attachment have been treated with a resin shellac finish for water resistance and durability, the idea is that I can easily unscrew and replace the leather strop when necessary over the years.

Thanks for reading guys!

I know some of you on the forum enjoy a traditional shave, so feel free to share your knowledge and experience :D

Philip