Thread: strop

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.

Originally Posted by jamesdpvd

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

Originally Posted by dancraig

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.

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.

Originally Posted by RoadKingMoe

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.

I just bought the Filly myself. It will be my first strop. Hopefully all goes well.