Thread: A Newbie Question about Strops

Just wondering if it is a waste of money to buy a cheap (like the ones on ebay for $8.99) strop. Would it mess up a blade? Should I just spring for a decent one, like Heirloom Razor Strop or DOVO?

Thanks,
Tom

spring for a decent one, like Heirloom Razor Strop and get the practice strop option so you can cut it up while you learn. think its only about 8 bucks when you buy a goodun.

Buying a cheap one off ebay including the sometimes hefty shipping charges will end up with you tossing the strop in the garbage if you decide not to stick with straight shaving. Buying a quality strop from Tony will cost a few dollars more but you can recoup that cost if you decide it's not for you and providing you didn't slice it in half!

Would a cheap strop damage your blade... if it's made from leather, I don't really think so. If it's that important to do things on the cheap, use a flat leather belt (do it inside the house in case you pants fall down...) it'll work well enough if you take it easy. If you do buy one from Tony, get the cheap practice strop... you can use it without having to worry so much about nicking it and you will nick your first strop.... and a few more if you get careless!

It's always cheaper in the long run to buy your last strop first!


Christian

Originally Posted by kaptain_zero

It's always cheaper in the long run to buy your last strop first!

This is what I'm thinking. In the long run you end up spending more money on cheapies than you would if you had just bought the nicer one in the beginning. Same goes for a lot of things.

I'm not seing 8.99 ebay ones, and I'm certainly not a specialist on strops having just one. However, my understanding is that pretty much all leather does the same job, as long as the surface is smooth. So if you find a decent looking one on ebay I think it may not be a bad option. That being said, Tony's strops are considered the best and while they do the same job as any decent strop they also look like an extremely well made product, one that you will have great enjoyment of owning, be it just for the added aesthetics.

So if it fits your budget and you value these things you should probably get one of his. And even at the budget starter/travel option you'll get Tony's superb craftsmanship and top quality leather, just minus the trimmings, which in this case are actually not trimmings but extras.

Much thanks.

Those $8.99 eBay specials are junk! Get one of Tony's you buy it right first time you buy it once. Buy cheap, you buy twice.