I read one should get a less expensive strop to start with. Where is the best place to get a good strop that is decent enough.
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I read one should get a less expensive strop to start with. Where is the best place to get a good strop that is decent enough.
There's a great wiki article about starting out on a budget, including some strop options. Check it out here:
Buying a beginner's set on a budget - Straight Razor Place Wiki
A vote for Ruprazor. I found it easier to strop with than a more expensive wider 3" Latigo. Less wide strops stay flatter and I find I enjoy doing a x pattern stroke. I also like the softer rougher texture of the cow hide.
+1 for Ruprazor. I really enjoy my Filly. It has a nice draw, and you get to learn the x pattern, and develop your stroke on something that wont cost you a fortune to replace....WHEN you knick it.
LarryAndro, from over in the classified section, has an $11 strop kit.
http://www.whippeddog.com/
He is a really good guy to do business with.
You have a few options. You can buy a filly strop,that has been mentioned before or the Poor Man Strop that has been mentioned as well or you can buy a used strop from the classifieds. If you don't see one that is for sale? you can post a want to buy ad (WTB). I also suggest to try to find a Tony Miller practice strop. He only sells them as an option if you buy one of his regular strops. So you would have to place a WTB ad in the classifieds for this.
Good luck and enjoy the shaves..
What about a modular strop? I've read that if you nick the leather, you can inexpensively buy a replacement.
+1 on the modular... I started on an expensive, quality, modular strop... I never nicked it, I just went slow and careful until I learned...That way I didn't buy a cheapy and a nice one... I just treated the nice one well..
And if you do nick one, at most you pay 30-40 for a replacement leather...
YMMV, but I prefer to get the expensive stuff first, then treat it right, rather than bash through an entry level... Just me though
I have not used LarryAndro's strop kit, but will testify from personal experience he is a great guy to do business with!
So is Ken Rupkalvis of RupRazor.com I have his $20 beginner "Filly" model and despite a week of practice with a butter knife and care when first using the razor, I've managed to cut it twice. It's a great little strop and at 2 inches wide, forces you to learn the X pattern. Much better to learn it with a strop than a hone.