Selecting a Strop

Hello all...

Getting my foot into the straight razor game due to a variety of factors... one is to get a get a good custom shave and better control of my shaving experience, another is I'm sick of the waste and price gouging for the decent disposable razors...

Found what looks to be a great vintage razor for my first time shaver on the classifieds section, and now am looking for a strop. I want a good strop that allows for a nice long stroke, but don't want to invest a lot of money while I'm just getting my foot in the door.

There aren't many strops on the classifieds, and it seems most of the new ones from well-known manufacturer's are at least $30. I've seen a few vintage ones on E-Bay along with cheaper ones made by Selective NY Brand.

Is a vintage strop worth considering, or do I run a risk with damaged/wrinkled leather hurting the blade? I know Selective NY makes cheapo razors to avoid, but do you think their strops are worth considering? Saving a buck or two while starting up would be nice, but I don't want to buy a cheap strop if it will ruin the shave...

Cheers,

- HJ

I just ordered the "Filly" from ruprazor.com. 20 bucks and handmade by Ken there. I have a short, cheap strop that I hate. The edges bend in so I can't make flat contact with the razor. I didn't think 20 bucks was bad and it's long enough for a good stroke so I'm thinking I'll be set.

I'm also a new guy, but I just bought another razor so I may not be a great spokesperson for cost effectiveness. I think what you'll find after reading through all these posts is that some guys go crazy, others go modestly, but from what I can tell, not very many go small (unless they're just starting out like us).

Best of luck!

I started with Ken's strop as well, it is a great beginner strop. Top quality and good draw.

You can get a good strop for less on Ebay but you do take the risk of getting one that has creases or nicks. Though even a cheap vintage on ebay will run you close to 10 bucks before shipping.

I say if you want an inexpensive strop drop Ken a PM and see what he has. Or post a WTB in the classifieds and see if you get any replies.

Welcome and best of luck.

Tony Miller and SRD sell inexpensive but good quality strops for beginners...

I have a RupRazor Filly, a practice strop. I chewed it up pretty badly learning to strop but it is still my favorite, even though I got a more expensive strop elsewhere! I use the 12 inches or so in the middle that I haven't nicked.

I just put in an order an El Toro which is a bit fancier. It is relatively inexpensive (starting at $45) but if I was really pressed for cash I would be happy with a fresh Filly.

The Filly is $20 which includes shipping to US addresses.

I strongly recommend getting a practice strop because it is real easy to mess up your first strop.

Thanks for the advice guys...

I'm thinking that I may go ahead and order a Selective NY as a practice strop. There is a seller that lists a Selective NY strop and razor set for something like $20. I'm sure the razor is a total piece of junk not suitable for shaving, but would be good to practice with on the strop so I don't destroy my vintage razor and chew up a decent strop. Sounds like pretty much everyone slices up the strop when learning.

As far as keeping things modest... my intention is to go in slow. It would be nice to start a collection as I get the hang of things. I just don't want to shell out decent cash on quality products that I know I'm bound to screw up! Reading the forum seems pretty consistent that while the end reward is worthwhile, the learning curve is steep...

Cheers,

- HJ

Hi,

I'm also new in straight razor. I was first curious what was the feeling handling a straight. So I bought a kit of Selective NY brand on ebay (2 straight + strops for about 25$). No need to say it's a piece of Junk but at least, I have been able to practice my stropping technique.
I then ordered another razor (Hess Diamond Steel) from Kenrup with the filly strop.
What a difference compared to the Selective NY brand!!!!! My Hess passes the HHT and the strop is so flat! The Filly strop also come with one side pasted with green paste.

I would never use the selective NY strop on my good straight razor, but to practice with a cheap razor it's ok. Also, I will use my Selective NY razors for honing practice.

Pat.

Well I guess things are moving more quickly than I thought...

Went to E-Bay to pick up a cheapo brand razor just to practice on the strop.

Found this George Wostenholm & Son's with minutes left on the auction. Figured what the heck, and put in a low bid.

Ended up winning it for $11.50. Who knows, maybe it will turn out to be a restorable blade... good honing practice if it comes to that... Anyone have thoughts on the blade? I really don't know what I'm doing here, I was just looking for something to practice with on a strop.

<sigh> I can see how this is going to be an addicting hobby...

My dad is going to mail me his badger hair brush (hopefully it's in decent shape) and mug, so I'm covered there.

Now I just need to keep an eye out for a vintage practice strop... maybe with luck it will turn out to be useful...

Cheers,

- HJ

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/m...wostenholm.jpg

I also bought a Selective razor and strop from eBay the other day, still waiting for it to arrive. I had the same thoughts about using both items as practice, and I'm working out payment for an actual blade to start with on the classifieds here. Can I use the Selective strop on a good blade, or should I get another strop?

Get another strop!

Pat.