Thread: G.B.S. Strop

Gents,
This year the tax man gaveith instead of takeithing away. So I am planing on getting myself my first straight razor! Woohoo!! The problem is - I have to split my funds between a straight and a strop. I know Illinois strops are suggested for newbs several places in the forum. But the only ones I find are 2.5 inch. I would really like a 3 inch if I can manage it. If I can mess up the stropping, I probably will. So I'd like to simplify it and just go straight up and down the strop instead of diagonally. The only 3 inchers I have found in my price range are G.B.S. Every one says to get a cheep strop for your first one, but these are REALLY cheap. I worry they may be TOO cheep and be more harmful than helpful to the cause. I haven't found anything about them when searching SRP. Does anyone know if these are good for a newb? Or are they just an SRO (strop shaped object)? If I can't do it right, I'd rather just wait a while until I can. Thanks!

It might be worth thinking about getting a shave ready vintage razor from the Buy/Sell/Trade in this forum. You can get a properly honed and shave ready razor for a very good price.

If you get yourself a new razor, it will almost certainly not be shave ready unless whoever sells it to you hones it before sending it out.

As far as a strop goes, rather than a strop thats very cheap, consider a board strop to start, they're much easier to learn on.

Thanks Steve! I absolutely am keeping an eye on B/S/T. I just have to wait for the right one at the right price to show up. And I guess I haven't really looked at board strops. I will look into them..

Have you check into Heirloom Razor Strop Co.
Im not sure but he used to have bevginners strops in 3 inch. But Id recommend a 2.5" strop. This teaches you the correct way to strop from the first pass. The x pattern on the strop is more than just to cover the entire edge.

Good luck.

Originally Posted by Gasman

Have you check into Heirloom Razor Strop Co.
Im not sure but he used to have bevginners strops in 3 inch. But Id recommend a 2.5" strop. This teaches you the correct way to strop from the first pass. The x pattern on the strop is more than just to cover the entire edge.

Good luck.

Wait...Woah...What! I guess it's been too long since I watched a stropping video. I don't remember the x being necessary for a wide enough strop. That changes everything because I absolutely want to learn it correctly from the start (it's easier to learn right the first time than to unlearn and relearn). So I guess I need to go re-watch some videos and reevaluate what I need in a strop. Thanks for pointing that out to me!!!

In theory a wide strop doesn't need an x motion however it's better with an x motion and once you learn to properly use a strop no matter the size it all becomes second nature.

It's kind of like learning to drive on a stick. it makes you a better driver.

If you ever buy a razor with a warped spine you'll be glad you know how to do an x stroke, both on stones or strops.

I have a 3" strop, the first hanging strop I bought. I also have a 2 1/2" strop.

I like the 2 1/2 better. I always do x strokes anyway regardles of the size, so I never have to change my stropping technique whether my razor is straight or smiles.

Ditto. If you get used to doing an x stroke on the strop it helps you keep from cutting up the strop too.

I recommend an Illinois strop Co No 127 for a starter. It is inexpensive but not cheaply made. The one thing is the linen is quite stiff and very aggressive.

VERY AGGRESSIVE!