The Practice and Science of Standard Barbering by S.C. Thorpe states that an ordinary medium grade horsehide strop is not recommended for barber use as it won't impart the proper edge but is suitable for private use but a high quality horsehide strop taken from the rump area of the horse is amongst the best possible strops will remain smooth and requires very little, if any, breaking in.Quote:
I have one also and think they are great but you realize the shaving manuals advise not using horsehide for the longterm because they become very slick and polished and are not good for the blade. I got that from the manual someone here recently posted.