Canvas strops are generally recommended for hollow-ground razors, but they are specially prepared in Germany, with the aid of suitable machinery. When unprepared, the canvas is exceedingly hard, and to adapt it for use, it should be filled with soft soap, the ends secured, and boiled for some length of time in a sufficient quantity of water. It is then to be pressed flat, scraped, and well rubbed with a smooth, round instrument until it becomes soft and pliable.
MISCELLANEOUS RECIPES.
Razor Pastes.
(1.) From jeweller’s rouge, plumbago, and suet, equal parts, melted together and stirred until cold.
(2.) From prepared putty powder (levigated oxide of tin), 3 parts; lard, 2 parts; crocus martis, 1 part; triturate together.
(3.) Prepared putty powder, 1 oz.; powdered oxalic acid, ¼ oz.; powdered gum, 20 grains; make a stiff paste with water, q.s., and evenly and thinly spread it over the strop, the other side of which should be covered with any of the common greasy mixtures. With very little friction this paste gives a fine edge to the razor, and its action is still further increased by slightly moistening it, or even breathing on it. Immediately after its use, the razor should receive a few turns on the other side of the strop.
(4.) Mechi’s.—Emery, reduced to an impalpable powder, 4 parts; deer suet, 1 part; well mixed together.
(5.) Pradier’s.—From powdered Turkey stone, 4 ozs.; jeweller’s rouge and prepared putty powder, of each, 1 oz.; hard suet, 2 ozs.
Obs.—The above (generally made up into square cakes) are rubbed over the razor strop, and the surface being smoothed off with the flat part of a knife, or a phial bottle, the strop is set aside for a few hours to harden before being used.