[rshaw]

Just started into straights (about 7 or 8 shaves now) and started stopping with a TM Apprentice, and the center seems to be getting smoother down the whole length of the strop. Should the strop be getting smoother the more I use it?
I guess it concerns me because the smoothing effect is not even over the entire strop. Would rubbing it with my hands as Tony recommends help this?

For the first few strokes I can really feel the strop pulling against the blade but after that it seems to become very slick...I hope this is just the blade realigning. Any thoughts?

[jimmyray]

Just to be sure, you're using the smooth side of the leather, correct?

How are you holding the strop? Could you be introducing a bit of curve near the handled end?

A picture would help also.

It doesn't sound like you're causing any harm, and if the razor is shaving well, you're probably okay.

[kelbro]

I stroke my strop (??) with the blade of my hand for about 10-20 complete strokes before stropping. It warms it up a little and seems to provide more complete contact with the blade.

[rshaw]

I'm using the smooth side of the strop...I did some reading before I started shaving
Maybe smooth was a bad choice of words. I would say shiny and darker would better describe it. I'll try to post some pictures tonight if it shows up.

Thanks for the feedback!

[jwoods]

smooth is the side you want to use

[thebigspendur]

As time goes on what happens is your strop actually becomes polished from the action of the steel over the razor. I know we always talk about the leather affecting the steel but it is a two way street. Over time you can get kind of a glaze on the leather. Use of strop conditioner or oil even from your hand will prevent or delay it.