Thread: Tripoli Boarhide Strop and Mint Jacob Miller Razor

Offered here is a combination of some nice items from the heyday of the 'Barber's supply'. Back in the day, there were many Barber's suppliers in the U.S. who carried anything and everything a barber needed. Quality merchandise with their names upon them had to be good, and usually always were and still are in good condition.

The razor..
From Jacob Miller Barber Supply in Portland, Oregon a nice German-Made 'Supreme' razor seemingly right off the shelf. The size is 5/8 measured in the German fashion from the spine contact to the edge. Overall width is a bit over 11/16. The blade, bluing on the tang, scales, bolsters, and inlay are really pristine. It seems to me to be a product of Engels by the style of the tang and bolsters, yet the maker is anonymous, as in most of this type. I honestly think it had never touched a hone.
It has been honed and finished on Blue-Green Escher (using 1 layer of electrical tape on the spine) and shave-tested.
Teeny bevel and remarkable shaver, it comes with the original box.

The strop ...
A Tripoli Barber Supply #941 boarhide strop.

The boarhide panel is NOS from the now-defunct Tripoli Barber Supply in Philadelphia.
Tripoli went out of business in 1955, so these panels, while unused and in storage, were very dry and stiff. Over 2 months of gentle re-hydration and treatment has rendered them nice and pliable again. Boarhide is naturally some really tough leather. The backside resembles a football while the front is nice and smooth.

The secondary fabric is NOS polyester firehose, ironed smooth and stitched on each end with a nice vinyl tab sewn on the bottom for a comfortable grip. Both the leather and the fabric strops feature a brass grommet in the hardware mounting hole.
The hardware is new with a nice stainless welded ring to hang with.

The strop also comes with a cool Razorfeld strop sock to protect it from dust, etc.
It features a split 'tail' on the backside to facilitate removal or simply bunching it up around the hardware in order to use the strop.

I have used these for some time and can say they are among the most effective of my strops.
Personally, I like the lighter draws in these. Easy to use.

Some really like them. Some don't as much because they do not have that 'buttery' feel of shell. Again, the poly secondary is very 'zippy' which some don't like. Some do!

I contend the feel of the strop should be secondary to it's effectiveness.
These are proven to be effective.

Boarhide and pigskin strops were quite popular back in the day, but no maker I know of has made them again in modern times.

Indeed, a nice set here. Price for both shipped Priority USPS Conus is 245.00.
I can accept a credit card/debit through my day business, Paypal F&F, or CASH!
If you are in another location, shipping will be at cost, your preference as to insurance, etc. We can discuss.
Please PM me with any questions.

Thanks for looking. Some pics.

Nice set Tom. Looks like a great value too.

Looks like a beautiful razor I’m guessing was made by the excellent vintage Solingen manufacturer F.W. Engels. GLWTS.

Originally Posted by Matt1222

Looks like a beautiful razor I’m guessing was made by the excellent vintage Solingen manufacturer F.W. Engels. GLWTS.

Thanks for confirming, Matt.
The slanted bolsters are telling. I have an old Lafayette to get going!

That strop makes my mouth water!

Yes, the Tripoli boarhide strop gives me a tingling feeling which most likely signals early-onset, vintage SAD.

awesome razor, and those tripoli strops from Tom are just amazing! it's rare that he let one go, but man it is a MUST to have one... i just cant understand why they stopped doing boar strops.. after using the one I got from Tom, i must say i never tought they performed so well.... and the treatment he does to the leather is just superb... really if you are looking rfor an outstanding combo at an awesome price.... dont let this go...

Thanks, Gabe.
I have resurrected several of these and have some to go.
I have learned a great deal about patience and a bit at a time. I do test these things and find ways to make them better. I think they are getting as good as they can get after a few months of patient re-hydration. They limber up nice and strop super-easy.
One of few strops I have I can feel comfortable looking away as I am stropping on it.
They just work. Easy stropping, IMO.

I am happy you are happy with yours.

After all....Your's cost you one of your fine horsehide strops!!

Sold pending payment, Gents.

Found this pair a good home!
It has been sold!




Thanks to everyone. Thanks to the forum!