Thread: First Strop

I have found an inexpensive strop and not really sure if this is any good, its at the link below. Not sure what I am looking for. Looking for any input.

Razor Renew Short - Kennesaw Cutlery

i too am looking for a new strop, I will keep an eye on this thread.

I really wouldn't suggest it. As an unknown strop made for a knife retailer it will not be of consistent quality, also it looks short. If you want an inexpensive strop of known quality I would suggest an illinois 827. They are known, consistent (even some senior members use them). Another possibility would be the ruprazor filly, but I wouldn't suggest using the back side and it doesn't come with a cloth component.
All of that would be in a similar price range, but if you can I would suggest you try to get yourself a quality strop with replaceable components. This becomes an advantage as you nick the strop and have to replace the strop, it makes it cheaper.

hitman154,

You can get well priced quality strops from Whipped Dog :

Whipped Dog Straight Razor Sales

or RupRazor :

RupRazor - Strops

Good luck !

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

I am going to side with the other replies simply because I was a stubborn butt and didn't listen.. I got a cheap strop and it was cheaply made.. Made my shaves horrid.. Then I went for a cheap paddle that was.. Well . Ok .. It did the job but on the low end.. Then I finally sprung for a a paddle strop from a reputable place and thought to myself... I am such an idiot.. Plus I ended up paying 50 percent more trying to save a few bucks.... So the moral is... Read the reviews.. Save up if you have to and get the good one to begin with.. What you gain in the end saves you money and frustration... Trust me on that one..

The strop is going to be one of the most important parts of your kit. I have an Illinois 127 hanging strop but am primarily a paddle stropper. I would recommend the SRD paddle strop. It is high quality, allows for multiple different stropping surfaces, and has worked well for me. It's all I use these days and with considerable success. It will cost you more but will serve you well for years.

For what you're getting there I'm not so sure it's really that cheap considering the size. There are quality basic strops out there of normal size that won't break the bank. Check out our vendors.

You can do much better . For a little more money , you can get a Jemico or a Dovo strop which have a linen , and a leather strop , and are long enough to strop a razor . I think the Razor Renew strop is way too short , and they don't tell you what it's made of . I would assume it's made of leather , but maybe it's not . I'm also puzzled by the "environmentally friendly" claim .

Thanks for all the feedback. Still trying to find my place with using a straight razor.
The reason why I was looking at this strop is because I have read over and over again that first time users will mess up a strop just trying to get used to using it. I got a great deal on a Dovo razor through this place and it came to me in mint condition with a nice edge, so wasn't sure if I would have the same luck with a strop. They sell a few of the strops mentioned in this form and in some others too, but really wasn't sure about details and what exactly makes a good strop. My ideal would be to find someplace local that sells them that could point me in the right direction but I am not having much luck with that.

I did the same thing. Oh I will ruin it buy the cheap POS to start. Yes you will but a nick or two in it but trust me. Spend a few bucks and get something decent. It makes such a difference. surprisingly with a bit of glue and sandpaper you can fix allot of those early mistakes. Or better yet, go slow take your time and don't nick it......Who am I kidding that will never happen.