ebay strops

So I've been doing some looking around, doing my best to find low prices for my first equipment. I've already ordered a razor from the classifieds here, so I'm settled in that department (for the time being), but I still need to get myself a strop.

A simple google search for shopping options showed me that on ebay there're a bunch of "bundles" of a razor or two with a strop for ridiculously cheap (anywhere between 10 and 30 dollars). I expect the razors would mutilate my face if I tried to shave with them, but I don't know so much about the quality to expect from the strops. I've also found individual strops on there for as little as 5.

So, I would love a little experienced advice. Should I just go for the strops recommended in the beginner wiki (like "the filly"), or would it be worth it to get one of those bundles for the same price?

Avoid those strops! They are of low quality and are poorly made, and most likely will not do your razors edge any good or may even do some damage. As with the razors, you get what you pay for..!

You'd be far better off getting a Filly strop as it is made of good quality leather, and thats really the most important thing.

Have a look at the SRD strops as well, as they are modular. So in the event that you nick the strop, you can order a new leather section to replace it for much less than the cost of a new strop. This way you can learn on a really great quality strop and replace the leather pretty cheaply if it gets a few battle scars..! :)

Good luck and keep us posted!

I bought one of those cheap strops off ebay and thought i had got a good deal. Then i went to Commiecat's house and had a look at his strops. His strops are of quality and have a much different look and feel than the one that i have. His are soft, supple and can flex and move easily and the stropping side is very smooth. Mine is very stiff and the surface of the leather is not smooth (and no its not a Russia diamond strop). There is an obvious difference in the quality of the strops that the pics they have or descriptions that they give dont tell you. So take it from a professional fool and dont buy an ebay special strop on the cheap.

there is afew strops on ebay you can use, but probably not chaeper then the filly.
Illinois/Fromm is normally there and sometimes somthing better

Alright, thanks guys! I figured it was at least worth it to ask, though I expected as much. I think I'll probable go for the filly for my first strop then.

If you are looking for a basic servicable strop, buy one of the Illinois Strops available from any number of vendors. One of these is all you really need.

yup illinois is good but not as cheap as the filly

I would advise you to put your money into a decent razor and a top notch strop. If you need to economize, get a cheap brush and glycerin soap form Wal-Mart or Target, mix it up in a coffee mug and finish with an inexpensive after shave like Old Spice. You can get into the quality accessories later, but don't scrimp where it's important. IMHO

I bought one from the bay, bad move, totally useless and i could not strop my razors, upgraded to a dovo strop and bingo, i could actually strop a razor, the only good thing i can say about the bay strop is, its now used for my crox.

I belive that both Robin and Glen have mentioned this in other threads, however...

I suggest purchasing a new top notch strop from SRD. If you knick it to beyond repair, they have replacement leathers witch cost the same as the lower end strops you are looking at.

Jeremy (shavedzombie) also supports this. Truly, you end up with a great product, and you will most likely take the time to learn correctly to avoid purchasing a replacement piece of leather.

I started out with a beginner strop, and bought the SRD IV about two months ago. I SERIOUSLY wish I had just made the initial investment for a great piece of leather.

My two cents,

Maxi

Where in Oregon are you? If your in the Portland area get PM me. I have both an Illinois and an SRD Red Latigo that you could check out. I am gonig to have to go with the general idea that the SRD are the better buy.

Also, if your local joshmpdx from B&B and I are planning on getting together again here in the next 2-4 weeks, good opportunity to meet up with some local folks.

Michael

Thanks for the advice everyone. Since I am a bit low on funds I went for the filly so I could get into it sooner, but I think I'll definitely save for a SRD 3 inch next (I noticed lynn said in another thread that 3 inch strops are more convenient simply for the amount of blade they cover).

I'm on the western edge of Gresham when I'm home, otherwise I'm at college in Newberg. I think I'm set for now, hopefully I'll have a summer job soon so I can upgrade before long.