Question about Tony Millers strops

Ok, ive been scouring all day long reading reviews and very satisfied customers of TM's Latigo and how much it appeals to the newbies.

I plan on buying the 3" artisan "new standard" strop he sells. Im going to get latigo for sure, but i honestly cant seem to find enough info on the smooth cotton and genuine linen to make an educated decision.

Could you guys do your best to tell me which you prefer and why? I know there is alot of TM users on here and id like to know. Also...i see that i have the option for handles AND d rings...im not quite sure how that will work...

One last thing...i have the FILLY from ruprazor now...it has a pasted side on the back of it. I also have a swaty...if i get a TM strop, will all these things be enough to bring a dull blade back to life?

Example: Strop using the pasted side of the filly, hone with the swaty, then move on to linen/cotton(whichever i decide)TM strop, then the latigo TM strop...

Does that sound about right?

Thanks in advance:)

I think I would pm tony and ask what he thinks. I have one of his strops but went for the latino and horsehide. Its very nice, I may buy a linen or cotten strop to added to this.

Crom

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shorynot

Example: Strop using the pasted side of the filly, hone with the swaty, then move on to linen/cotton(whichever i decide)TM strop, then the latigo TM strop...

Does that sound about right?

Thanks in advance:)

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Uhh no... Hone first strop later :)
Also make sure to clean paste off the blade before going to un-pasted strops

I've got the TM 3" Latigo with cotton canvas and like it a lot.I've used it for months and it looks brand new.The cotton is very tightly woven and strong.It reminds me of fire hose material.After a shave,I go about 20 laps on cotton and 30 on leather.When I first go to the cotton ,it seems as if I can hear little micro-serrations being straightened,before hitting the leather.Its a very subtle sound,and it might be my imagination,but that's the way I think about it.The cotton followed by the latigo really seems to "refresh" my blades.Not like a hone or pasted strop would,but more like re-aligning the edge.

Ummm, I doubt I said "probably" lasts longer as i have no idea if it does or not. I likely said it is "probably" more abrasive. The less processed linen seems to polish more than my smooth cotton. Most guys seem to have confirmed this, a few actually thought cotton was a bit more. I know both feel different in use because of the firmness of the fibers and the difference in weave between the two materials.

I typically suggest cotton over linen for those who cannot decide. For a beginner who is likely to see any difference the extra $16 (higher material cost, higher waste factor) is better spend on other supplies that cannot easily be upgraded. The cotton can be pasted with a little chom ox later and have all the abraision, if not more than linen. I would not paste the linen though as I feel it is a waste to add something over an already good working material. The paste will do just as well over any less expensive material.

For the width, 3" is waht 90% of the guys buy, even if they still wind up doing an X pattern. A 3" strop is the "new standard" today, just like the 2" is in Europe or the 2 1/2" was here for our grandfathers. For me handles outperfom dee rings but some would rather loop their fingers though a dee rather than have to squeeze the handles. On a strop at least all these features can be changed later where as on a razor or brush choice you are stuck with whatever you bought.

Hope this helps.

Tony

I'v had my T.M 3" Lantigo strop & 3"cotton strop for about a year now & find it to be very efficient. I do a slight X pattern, 25 cotton & 50 leather & thats all I need. A few months ago I ordered just the 3" cotton only strop & pasted it with some chom ox & wow it's the triple threat, LOL Those three strops are all I need-!!
Good Luck..