[riplikash]

So I just finished my third shave. Actually managed to get the chin to get a close shave this time. Very pleased with myself.

I noticed something annoying while stropping though. its "smiling". The sides of the strop touch the razor, but the middle is lowered. So, I'm thinking I need to solve that.

It is a brand new "illinois" strop from classicshaving.com. I had read that new strops were basically ready to go, but I wonder if that is always the case.

Reading on classic shaving it say strops often need a "hand" finish. It also refer's to a "stiff lather". So what does that mean? (my wife is inserting these)

It also talks about using a pumice stone to flatten it. So, just like the ones my wife uses? Or is this something more specific?

Anyways, I've studied up on this a lot, but am still in the dark. Anytips?

[SH-60Pilot]

I think I have the same problem. I wasn't sure if it was a bend in the strop or a slight bow in the blade itself. If I put a little pressure on the blade, I get full contact, but I know I've heard people say that you want to maintain minimal pressure while stropping. Perhaps this is another reason to do the x pattern so that the center of the blade is brought to the higher sides of the strop?

[netsurfr]

I have not personally encountered this problem but I have read that sometimes applying pressure in the middle underside of the strop while stropping will help this problem.
If you lay the strop flat on the counter, put your blade on it and can see an air gap, then you may need to buff the strop with something to flatten it a bit. After doing so, I would personally want to condition it with strop conditioner (linseed oil will do) and check it again.

[Kees]

Glass bottles are very good for curled strops, I have used an iron as well (put some paper on the ironing board and also on the strop). Use little heat (like for wool which is a protein just like leather).

[netsurfr]

Another approach is to get yourself a Tony Miller strop. His strops are IMHO some of the best made. You will not have a curling problem with his due to the leather type and the construction technique. I am sure there are others out there that are just as good but I have personal experience with Tony's work.

[kelbro]

Don't sweat it too much. You've already bought it and you can make it work. The slight curve will go away as it breaks in. You can roll it (not tight) lengthwise both back and forth and it will flatten itself out long enough to strop the razor. Then hold the handle out and rub it real well top to bottom about 20 strokes with the blade of your hand until it gets a little warm. A light Lexol treatment will really speed up the break-in. My Illinois strop does a fine job.