Thread: Westholme Shell Cordovan and Latigo strop

My new Westholme shell cordovan and latigo strop.

Ive had this strop a few weeks now and can throughly recommend Alastair Summers strops.

The craftsmanship is excellent. I really like the nubuck hanging tab and handles which feel very nice in the hand and the swivel scissor snap is soild and reliable, no cheap bent over nail here!
The cordovan and latigo are both made by Horween so you know without even trying them your about to use something special.
This is the first time ive used latigo and was surprised how light the draw is. It can easily be used as the final stropping component but like the Kanayama secondary horsehide works excellent as a pre finisher to the cordovan.
The shell cordovan itself is a joy to use, for me its the perfect way to really bring an edge out.

Looking at the design you would be forgiven for thinking it was a Neil Miller strop, the similarities are there to be seen by everyone. Im not going to compare the two in terms of use but I will say between the two and my Kanayama 80000 if I could only save one in a burning house id die thinking of which one to save! It really is that good.

Im not sure how long Alastair has been making strops for, I only heard of Wesholme strops a month or two ago so but I can definitely say they're ones to look out for.
Finally id just like to say the service I received was first class, it means a lot in what I feel is still a niche market and good feedback on shaving forums go a long way in advertising.

Mark

Nice strop. It is interesting that the Latigo has a light draw. Tony Miller's old Latigo, and SRP's Latigo, from years ago .... was so heavy to me, that I felt as if it might pull the razor out of my hand. To the extent that I became a strictly horsehide/shell user.

I'm assuming this is a matter of how individual strop makers treat/finish their leather. That is obviously a first class high end piece. I'm tempted but I have so many now ...... in the dreaded scenario you presented I'd be grabbing my Neil Miller shell cordovan, along with the Kanayama 80,000.

That dark hide has the same appearance as what, by far, is the best antique strop that I have found for my use. And, yes, the Kanayama would stay home.
~Richard

Thanks chaps.
Ive been reluctant to use latigo before because like you said Jimmy the draw was very heavy. This new latigo is thinner and far less oily giving a draw thats very nice indeed.
I didn't really need another strop but when I saw this one I couldn't help myself.

Very generous comments Mark, for which I am very grateful!

Regards,

Alastair Summers.

I would like to order myself a Westholme strop but I don't have a Facebook account. Can anyone tell me how to contact the maker of these beautiful strops?

Originally Posted by Noxa

I would like to order myself a Westholme strop but I don't have a Facebook account. Can anyone tell me how to contact the maker of these beautiful strops?

You could try PM KrytonsJaw, the member above your post. He appears to be the maker. Very nice strop Mark.

Yep, Alistair Summers @ krytonsjaw is the man to contact. He is a gentleman and was a pleasure to deal with, and as I said makes wonderful strops.

Thanks for the tip guy's.

That certainly is a beautiful well made strop. I think you are going to like it very much and, if you don't mind, please keep us posted on that subject. Could you post the dimensions of your new strop.

Of the strops mentioned and the fire scenario, I would risk getting singed or worse and would add a couple of strops but my N.Miller, Scrupleworks, Kanoyama and a Westholme if I had one would all have to survive
a fire. : )