I've entered six years of straight razor shaving and love this hobby. My 1st strop a Taylor of old Bond Street 2 incher, I destroyed in about three weeks, trying to do what the videos did. My second strop lasted about six months. I didn't destroy it but I have to admit it wasn't in good shape. I think I developed something when I bought my 1st Kanayama strop, a #10000, I call it strop discipline. If it costs a bit of money you tend to take more care. Now I have three Kanayama's, my everyday strop, the #70000, it's been intact and wonderful for about 9 months. Not a nick. I have an #80000 that I've been fondling occasionally, but keeping it in reserve. Try buying a high end strop, and you'll see what I mean about 'strop discipline '!