Thread: Is Leather, just Leather?

I am curious about how big of a difference different leathers make for stropping. Clearly this will be a hot topic with many opinions one way or the other. I am not expecting a definitive answer because I know there will be so many, more of just a conversation starter that may lead to a very informative thread for many people.

Obviously there are better leathers than some but is it like the difference between Toyota and Lexus that basically just comes down to looks?

OK GO!

Sean

They have different grains which leads to different amounts of draw, or friction so they polish the razor edge differently, but it is largely a matter of preference. My favorite is 'roo leather, which is more supple, yet has a decent feel to it, feedback-wise.

I have heard great things about roo leather, I met a barber that is considering selling me a vintage "mint" seal leather strop wow it was smooth!

No,,,,,,,,,,,,,

I've found that as long as the leather is of good quality they'll all do the job effectively. As others have mentioned, various people prefer various amount of draw, some like more ornate strops (more to do with the finish and fit than the leather, really), some like them more spartan.

Personally I use a roo strop. I like how thin it is as I think it lets me feel the edge a bit better. But I only think that, I have no proof.

I've never tried a shell cordovan strop, though I have a shell strop. People rave about the cordovan and how it feels.

But yeah, in terms of effectiveness and getting the job done I'd say that in my experience any good piece of leather will do.

James.

Originally Posted by Jimbo

I've found that as the long as the leather is of good quality they'll all do the job effectively. As others have mentioned, various people prefer various amount of draw, some like more ornate strops (more to do with the finish and fit than the leather, really), some like them more spartan.

Personally I use a roo strop. I like how thin it is as I think it lets me feel the edge a bit better. But I only think that, I have no proof.

I've never tried a shell cordovan strop, though I have a shell strop. People rave about the cordovan and how it feels.

But yeah, in terms of effectiveness and getting the job done I'd say that in my experience any good piece of leather will do.

James.

The way you feel about your Roo strop, thin and lets you feel the edge better, is how I feel about my Neil Miller shell Cordovan strop compared to my Bridle leather one. Sounds like I'll have to try a Roo strop sometime too. Agreed too that in the end any good piece of leather will do.

Bob

As long as it's quality material they all do the same job. Some may be longer or thicker or prettier or feel different or make you feel like a rich guy but you know the old saying, it's what's up front that counts.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

As long as it's quality material they all do the same job. Some may be longer or thicker or prettier or feel different or make you feel like a rich guy but you know the old saying, it's what's up front that counts.

I can't argue with that, OTOH ....... I've got a Litespeed Vortex road bike, 2001 model, the same kind Lance won some stages in the Tour ........ and I can't get over 21mph .....

Kinda on topic in a way .....

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I can't argue with that, OTOH ....... I've got a Litespeed Vortex road bike, 2001 model, the same kind Lance won some stages in the Tour ........ and I can't get over 21mph .....

Kinda on topic in a way .....

Get some steroids Jim,you might get up to 26 mph

Originally Posted by Hirlau

No,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Is that a seal of disapproval?