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  1. #1
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    Default Strop purchasing suggestions.

    Hi,
    I'm considering purchasing a new strop and would like to ask for a few opinions.
    First of all, I use one razor (my favorite Dovo 5/8 "Special" Tortoise), one brush, and would like to purchase one more hanging, linen/leather strop and use it exclusively. I don't use pastes. I keep my razor extremely sharp by using only my current linen/leather hanging strop and my Norton 4/8.

    I keep hearing how wonderful TM's strops are and would like to take a closer look, but have a few questions first.

    My current (and only) strop is a Dovo "Prima" with a linen side. It's stropping dimensions are 1 3/4 inches wide, and 13 inches long. So, this is what I'm used to and all I "know" in stropping.
    1. I do want the linen side, so that narrows the choices a bit.
    2. Do you think the wider 3" is worth it? It would accomodate the entire cutting edge of my Dovo. Or do you recommend the 2 1/2?
    3. I read terms like " red latigo", "genuine horsehide" , "honey brown", etc. Any differences or preferences to consider here?
    4. I do like somewhat of a draw feeling (when my current strop gets "slippery", I apply mink oil to create the resistance against the blade.) But I know this is not a requirement for a high-quality strop.
    5. It must be durable. I want this to be my only strop for a lot of years. (I like to drive cars into the ground, too!)
    6. I'm leaning toward the #1 Heirloom Best Wide Honey Brown strop. Does this seem like a good fit for me, based on your experiences?
    7. Any other suggestions?

    I am grateful to those who reply.
    (Tony M: If you are out there, you are welcome to chime in, or send me a pm. It might help me decide!)
    Thanks, guys,
    Ron

  2. #2
    JMS
    JMS is offline
    Usagi Yojimbo JMS's Avatar
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    My reference is a 2 1[2 inch wide strop. Based on your "draw" comment I don't think you would be happy with the Honey Brown as it has practically no draw. A Tony Miller Red Latigo has good draw.

  3. #3
    Super Shaver xman's Avatar
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    Get the strop your heart desires because anything Tony has is great. My questions for you are. Are YOU comfortable with a thinner strop or do YOU really want the wider strop? I think an X pattern is beneficial so don't necessarily think the 3" is necessary. That said, I'd probably buy one right now if I could. I'd also go with the Horsehide if I could simply because this is traditionally what the best strops were made from. They musta known something back then.

    X

  4. #4
    Still hasn't shut up PuFFaH's Avatar
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    I have just bought a set of strops off Tony. A horse/real linen in 2.5" and a Latigo/horse in 2.5". I can not speak highly enough of these strops and would highly recommend TM strops.

    I tried the 3" strops having mainly stropped on 2.5 and 2" strops for 25 years. 3" strops work as well as any size but for me they are too wide, I'm just to used to thinner strops now.
    latigo strops have good draw but I prefer to fully pumice them till they have a nap. This smooths out the draw and make it into a great pre-strop.
    TM's Horse hide strops are as supple as Calf skin strops and I just loved the silky feel you get with just the right amount of draw. Dressing imo would ruin these strops, they are top rate as they come. I would highly recommend his "real linen" as the match to what leather you choose. This linen really brings the edge back to life but I would suggest less pressure is best and with toe leading. When you get the linen I wouold suggest that you do the barbers spirit cotton singe over the surface to remove the fine strands. This stops them balling up while you strop.

    So my recommendation is for: Horse Hide real Linen combo in 2.5" (handle is your choice)


    PuFF

  5. #5
    Senior Member Tony Miller's Avatar
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    Yeah, what Puff said <g>

    I try not to direct anyone to products in anything other than the vendor section but will gladly answer questions if asked.

    I don't think the Honey Brown will be what you are after as it has such light draw. Actually it has similar actual draw to the Horsehide but that leather seems a bit more effective. Puff owns them all so his advice, and the fact that he experiments with the a bit makes him pretty familair with what each will do.

    I too like 2 1/2" over 3" but I just like narrower strops and stones.

    Tony

    Puff, not to hijack this thread but could you elaborate on what you did with the real linen to improve it's hairiness <g>. I have not incorporated it into my daily production yet as I am awaiting feedback first.
    The Heirloom Razor Strop Company / The Well Shaved Gentleman

    https://heirloomrazorstrop.com/

  6. #6
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    Real linen...oh crap, one more thing i'll need to get eventually!

    I think he meant he took the linen to a flame to burn off the 'fuzz'. Kinda like the trick where you take a flame to a new pair of socks and all the surface fuzz ignites and then goes out.

    I really, really, really love the feel of the honeybrown. The horseside is similar is the amount of draw, but i find it has a little more texture to it. It gives a little more feedback.
    Last edited by edk442; 08-06-2007 at 03:57 PM.

  7. #7
    Still hasn't shut up PuFFaH's Avatar
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    Tony
    Barbers used to soak a cotton bud tip in spirit then light it. This was then tapped against your ears to remove the hair from ear lobes. Well, I used a similar technique to remove the surface fluff off the linen. A gas lighter would do I guess but I'm sure it would scorch the linen if left in one area too long.

    You are right about the honey Brown being lighter draw. This can be increased though with different types of surface prep to what stage you prefer but the Horse Hide has the same draw as Russian leather as it comes from Tony. Oil would increase this but I think it would get enough oil from a regular palm rub. Oils are hard to apply in light dressing, they tend to have to be over applied to get an even covering. Best way is to rub a light amount (1-2 drops) into your hands and then palm it in.

    PuFF

  8. #8
    Senior Member blabbermouth
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    Listen to Puff!

    I also would go for 2.5" Russian w/ linen without any doubt. 3" is too wide for me too. One thing - Tony's linen was not waxed, if I remember correctly. You can melt and iron in some beeswax. Obviously - must be done carefully

    Cheers
    Ivo

  9. #9
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    whats the advantage of melting beeswax into thr linen? to make it stiffer?

  10. #10
    Senior Member blabbermouth
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    Quote Originally Posted by edk442 View Post
    whats the advantage of melting beeswax into thr linen? to make it stiffer?
    Honestly - I am not sure. I have used untreated (vintage cleaned) linen strops with great results. But we do know vintage linens were treated. It does make the linen stiffer, of course - but I think there must have been other reasons, too? Maybe there is something specific added to the glide. I would certainly love to hear more from anyone in the know.

    Cheers
    Ivo

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