Thread: Strop criteria

can you guys tell me what your main criteria for selecting a certain strop are?
Or is this mostly a quality/esthetics issue?

Criteria #1
Is it a Tony Miller strop?

Erm, that's about it from me.

Originally Posted by majurey

Criteria #1
Is it a Tony Miller strop?

Erm, that's about it from me.

Besides the above, I also like a 3" wide strop - so I don't have to do the x pattern...

It would be really hard to beat Tony's strops for for quality and price. I would imagine with the exchange rate being what it is, you' do well - even with the shipping.

Contact Tony and he can explain the various leathers to you.

Jordan

OK, I'll be more serious.

At home I have a hanging strop, with linen and leather sides. No paste on either. That's my main strop for every shave. I bought a Tony Miller strop because they're excellent quality, nice and wide (I don't bother with X pattern while stropping, though I know many do), and feel great.

For travelling I bought myself a small (tiny!) loom strop with leather on both sides. One side is soft and untreated, other side has red paste. It's small for travel and will not be bent, folded or creased in a suitcase. I love the way it's so flat and solid when the handle is twisted to stretch the leather on the loom. Even though it's miniature compared to the hanging strop, it gives an excellent shave after stropping.

Others use large paddle strops with sometimes four sides. Each side with different micron paste to keep a sharp edge when a blade starts becoming less than optimal (in sharpness terms). I've never tried one myself having really latched onto and enjoying honing off water stones.

You know, I recommend you buy Lynn's DVD. There are excellent summary sections on strops, hones, razors, etc.

Mark, may I ask where you bought the loom strop? Thanks

Jordan

I actually own a loom strop myself. Mine is a small, Jemico Brand but can sometimes be found with other names on them. No where near as nice as the Maestro models but more in a beginners price range.

I find it best to relieve the tension when not in use to prevent cupping but sometimes it happens anyway.

Tony

Originally Posted by jnich67

Mark, may I ask where you bought the loom strop? Thanks

Jordan

I bought it here. Fifth one down on the left. It's the Dovo one. The handle twists to tighten or loosen the leather. It was my first strop and isn't so good as a daily strop (too small), but ideal for travel. Plus I love the whole adjustable tension thing. It comes pre-pasted (with red) on one side.

Originally Posted by Tony Miller

I find it best to relieve the tension when not in use to prevent cupping but sometimes it happens anyway.

Tony

Totally agree. I leave it slack when not in use. Depending on how you tighten it you can achieve a really flat surface.

i wanted to get a loom strop but the new (and old ones) are all less than 2" wide, and old ones usually have not so great condition leather on them. The maestro ones are really nice but pricey. Even the stainless handle model is $130.00 (and that stainless handle is ugly). I got myself a Tony Miller paddle, and while it was good, it just wasn't for me.

On to the actual question. I like the 2.5" strops from Tony Miller. Haven't ever tried anything wider though. I think my brain has a built in cost analyzer. Would I like a 3" strop? yeah probably, but i have no problem with doing an ever so slight x pattern and saving a little money (that went right back into buying more strops).

He has a new handle design but i like the old design of grasping a loop with my fingers (haven't ever tried a strop with a handle)

Mark,
That is identical to mine, even the same label except mine came with green paste instead.

I was thinking of carrying these at one point just because they are handy.

Tony

Yeah, they're cute aren't they Tony? Just right for traveling, but I think I'd get kind of annoyed if I had to use it everyday.