Strops - Smooth or rough side???

[imahic]

The strops I use are all the rough side of the leather. I recently saw someone using the smooth side and when I was a lot younger I shined shoes in a barber shop and I remember the barber's razor strop was always smooth. Is there a difference or is it more of a personal preference. The rough side I am using seems to be working fine and keeps my tools sharp but I'm always open to trying something new. I would assume the rough side holds the compound better but that's just a swag on my part.

[PaulPinkston]

That's a Great Question -- I've often wondered that too. Thanks for asking it.

Paul

[Robson Valley]

When I reload my strop with chrome green, I have to pull hard and fast with the lump to make a good streak on the smooth leather.
I believe it's an issue with maintaining/keeping the bevel angle of the tool. The fuzzy side of the leather can't possibly give you a flat plane to work with.

[richipper]

I like the fuzzy side because it holds the compound better. I also run it over the flat belt sander to make sure it is flat. It also takes the fuzziness down. The smooth works if you are using a paste or oil based compound.Richard in Colorado

[Robson Valley]

If you stop, every one in a while, to try the tool, the amount of stropping is really minimal.
5X is plenty.
BUT, at 5,000rpm, we can whiz down your tool to a stump in a minute or two.
Whaddayathink? 40 grit and push as hard as you can it 3500rpm?

[Northwest29]

I made my own stroping stick with a piece of leather 'rough side' up on one side and the other side has a piece smooth 'side up'. I charge the 'rough side' with green and first give my tool a few strokes there. Then flip it over and give it a few strokes on the smoth side, which works well for me. The 'rough side' tends to smooth out the more it's charged and used. HTH

Ron

[torpidhummer]

I like your idea Ron,about running the rough side of your leather strop on
a belt sander,I'll give it a try today.
Oscar

[davidinsarasota]

Rough for me. I don't usually use stropping compound for anything other than slip strops because there are natural abrasives in good cowhide. I think these abrasives are best brought to bear on the rough side.

[Mitchell]

I have some of each - doesn't seem to matter. My favorite is a pig leather strop with the rough side out > why? It's jsut the right size and has nothing to do with the cover.

Here's an older thread: new hand strop smooth or rough?

[Eddy-Smiles]

Personal choice!