Thread: 3 inch strop in Australia.

We all (maybe) agree that a 3 inch latigo 24 inch double sided strop isn't cheap in the retail sense in Australia. I'm sure many on our forum have found good prices in some way, but not in this country. We are encouraged as best available here that the Dovo 3 inch, single sided for $150 bucks... Is our option. 'Star Shaving' (US) offer a cheaper version 3 inch x 24 inch, felt one side. Still costs a fair dollar here, but not $150. Now in Oz Shaver Hut, a Melbourne mob, they have found a company Hart Steel, that make a range of razors, none less than $350.00. You can get a TI for less. So I'll pass on the razors to a higher authority. $350 in our market is unsellable for a product without any credentials. Anyway, they sold me a 3 inch wide black latigo, 18 inch length, double sided woven, very well made strop. This strop believe me isn't average, no cupping due to lesser length, has the feel and look of quality, and members of our fraternity if you are like me would pay double if it's quality. Check this 'Shaver Hut' Hart Steel sourced strop, and you will stop looking for a 'bargain' on some OS site. My 1st strop cost me $94 dollars, barely an inch in width and a foot long. Look at this strop. When they quote length, it means 'useable', not like the European versions, where they quote the handles and the bloody box. This Shaver Hut strop is bloody good guys. From those in the US, Do 'Hart Steel' have a niche in your'e market? And do you pay $400 for a razor? Can't find 'Hart Steel' anywhere prominent? (But their strops are ACE) Bobski

Haven't bought a strop from Shaver Hut, but have found their customer service to be very good. I've contacted them myself about stocking products and they seem genuinely interested in accommodating customer's preferred products. Not bad for an Australian online store.

Hey Mark,
I've given my business to both Shaver Hut and Mens Biz in Oz. As for both their Dovo strops are expensive and poor in comparison to what is known as a 'Double sided black LATIGO 3 inch x 24 inch "serious yank" strop. Shaver hut, mate sell the strop I mentioned. 3 inch wide...18 inch long. Any bigger length you will get 'cupping' (Bowing of the leather, so it won't cover the width of the blade). The shaver hut (Hart steel) version, ie 18 inch long is better to use. simple. Mate on our forums everyone has their view not all right. Anyone, tell me that a metre long strop is less prone to 'cupping' than an arms length. If you are put off by cost....no worries, no one likes the premium of OS buying. If you own 1 or 2 razors, you will soon hate your credit cards and your wife......because they will both be after you. A year ago I bought my 1st dovo. I'm in double figures, it's all your fault....lol. Keep your eyes on a Dovo 6/8 bismarck, it's my 'go to' razor. My tip is, 'Dont worry about the scales' the 6/8 blade is a ripper. Go hard mate!

hi Guys,
For what it's worth, due to me being unsatisfied with cost and quality of available strops and brushes in Australia, i simply make my own.
I favour 3 inch wide, and have converted to paddle strops about 12 years ago and never looked back. No issues with twisting, cupping, etc.
Justa a thought.

Hey Adam, I have 2 US made 3 inch black Latigo Strops. The Shaver Hut 'Hart Steel' 3 inch x 18 inch black Latigo, kills the others re quality, attention to detail, 18 inches is much more user friendly than the longer 2 footers. So I ordered the Shaver Hut strop and I am seriously happy with it's quality. I paid $129. If you buy from US you will save 40 bucks, but get no assurances, takes 3 weeks to get here. A good strop feels and sounds 'right', it shouldn't feel like a bloody violin as do the 2 footers from America. Look great, but try this shaver Hut strop, it is, in my view the best one available here. We do have boutique dealers, but nearly $350 for a strop and $300 for a brush makes them hard to back. Shaver hut are selling 'Hart Steel' str8t's start at $350. No credentials, no testimonials, you can't land a near $400 razor on the market with no 'balls'. Anyone who can tell us here 'waiting' that one of these is Better than a TI Spartacus....come forth and prepare for great wealth. Bobski

It's a bit pointless arguing which is better. Same as arguing Ford vs. Holden.
People buy what they want to suit themselves.

Enough happy Hart owners on SRP to form their own razor club so they are not the unkniown entity you seem to be implying.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...t-hit-men.html

Oz, accept my apology for overlooking the available info re Hart Razors, I just found 400 bucks a bit high, and as you point out there are many who enjoy these razors. When I finish my humble pie, I might have to get the 7/8....looks tempting.....Bobski

No probs. It's all relative. Some go for the pretty gold wash, some the name or vintage etc. As long as you're happy with a purchase it's all that matters.