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Razor Strops: The Key to a Sharp and Smooth Straight Razor

Sharp razors and razor strops go hand-in-hand and will help you keep your straight razor in tip-top condition. For a comfortable shave, regular stropping is key.

At New England Shaving, we offer a premium selection of razor strops from trusted brands like Herold and Dovo. Our collection ensures you find a strop to perfect your shaving routine, giving you nothing short of exceptional performance and quality.

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  • Boker - Extra Wide Hanging Strop with Ring, Cowhide Leather 57cm - New England Shaving Company
    Boker - Extra Wide Hanging Strop with Ring, Cowhide Leather 57cm - New England Shaving Company
    Original price $125.00 - Original price $125.00
    Original price
    $125.00
    $125.00 - $125.00
    Current price $125.00

    Boker - 3 Inch Extra Wide Leather Hanging Strop

    Boker

    Boker extra wide razor strop (3.14 inch) is made from premium real leather with nickel-plated steel loops for hanging and holding. The red backside...

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    Original price $125.00 - Original price $125.00
    Original price
    $125.00
    $125.00 - $125.00
    Current price $125.00
  • Boker - Hanging Strop, Cowhide Leather 46 cm - New England Shaving Company
    Boker - Hanging Strop, Cowhide Leather 46 cm - New England Shaving Company
    Original price $83.00 - Original price $83.00
    Original price
    $83.00
    $83.00 - $83.00
    Current price $83.00

    Boker - Hanging Strop

    Boker

    Boker strop for Straight Razors, made from the finest cowhide and nickel-plated steel rings to hang it. The back is made of linen and collects dirt...

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    Original price $83.00 - Original price $83.00
    Original price
    $83.00
    $83.00 - $83.00
    Current price $83.00
  • Boker - Hanging Strop with Handle, Cowhide Leather 63 cm - New England Shaving Company
    Boker - Hanging Strop with Handle, Cowhide Leather 63 cm - New England Shaving Company
    Original price $180.00 - Original price $180.00
    Original price
    $180.00
    $180.00 - $180.00
    Current price $180.00

    Boker - Hanging Strop with Handle

    Boker

    High-quality hanging strop made from genuine Russia leather with nickel-plated steel loop for hanging. The leather handle ensures a pleasant grip. ...

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    Original price $180.00 - Original price $180.00
    Original price
    $180.00
    $180.00 - $180.00
    Current price $180.00
  • Boker - Spanner Strop - New England Shaving Company
    Boker - Spanner Strop - New England Shaving Company
    Original price $85.90 - Original price $85.90
    Original price
    $85.90
    $85.90 - $85.90
    Current price $85.90

    Boker - Spanner Strop

    Boker

    The Boker Spanner Strop is ideal for stropping straight razors on both sides. Pre and final stropping can be performed on two different surfaces wi...

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    Original price $85.90 - Original price $85.90
    Original price
    $85.90
    $85.90 - $85.90
    Current price $85.90

What is a Razor Strop?

A razor strop is a strip of material that helps maintain your straight razor’s edge sharp between each shave. It consists of a strip of leather, canvas, or a combination of both materials.

The leather side refines the razor’s edge, while the canvas side cleans and prepares the blade. The strop helps align the microscopic edge of the razor so the blade remains keen and smooth, minimizing the need for frequent honing.

Benefits of Using a Razor Strop

  • Aligns the Blade: Stropping realigns the blade’s edge to stay sharp.
  • Improves Shave Quality: A well-stropped razor gives you a smoother, irritation-free shave by reducing blade tugging and pulling.
  • Extends Time Between Honings: Regular stropping maintains the razor's sharpness and prolongs the time between honing sessions.
  • Preserve Razor Longevity: Consistent stropping can increase the life of your razor.

Types of Razor Strops

  • Hanging Strop: The most common style that provides flexibility and ease of use for daily stropping.
  • Paddle Strop: Mounted on a wooden handle, paddle strops are portable and offer a firm, stable surface for stropping.
  • Loom Strop: A strop stretched on a frame. This design lets you adjust the tension for a more controlled stropping experience.

Each strop style is made for different preferences and skill levels, so choose the design that fits your experience levels.

How to Use a Razor Strop

Proper technique is essential to getting the most out of your razor strop:

  1. Secure the Strop: If using a hanging strop, attach it to a fixed point and hold it taut.
  2. Warm the Blade: Rub the razor’s spine along the strop to warm it up.
  3. Strop the Razor: Glide the blade with light pressure in an X-pattern, moving from spine to edge. Repeat on both sides of the blade.
  4. Use Both Sides: Start with the canvas side to clean the razor, then finish on the leather side to refine the edge.

Don't apply too much pressure or strop at the wrong angle, as it can dull the blade.

Choosing the Right Razor Strop

  • Material: Leather strops are ideal for refining the edge, while canvas helps with initial cleaning.
  • Width: A wider strop (2.5-3 inches) covers more blade surface, reducing the need for an X-pattern.
  • Length: A longer strop provides more stropping space, enhancing ease of use.
  • Strop Style: Choose between hanging, paddle, or loom strops based on your comfort and experience level.

Caring for Your Razor Strop

  • Condition the Leather: Use strop paste or oil to keep the strop leather supple and prevent drying or cracking.
  • Store in a Dry Area: Avoid exposing the strop to humidity, as moisture can damage the leather and reduce its effectiveness.
  • Avoid Creasing: Store hanging strops flat or rolled to prevent creases affecting stropping performance.

Elevate Your Straight Razor Shaving with a Quality Strop

A high-quality razor strop is a wise investment if you want to keep your straight razor in good condition. Without one, it may not last as long as you'd like.

At New England Shaving, we offer premium razor strops designed to meet the needs of beginners all the way to seasoned experts. Explore our collection today and experience the difference a quality strop can make.