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I'm trying to decide on which strop to buy from Tony for my first strop. I'd like a latigo & linen strop, but I can't decide between the no-handle and the handled strops.
I like the look of the no-handle and wouldn't mind saving a little money, but I wanted people who've used them to let me know what they think. I did find one thread about how to properly hold the strop, but nothing else yet.
Any other recommendations welcome too, thanks!
I've used handle, no handle, and D-ring hanging strops, and have found them all to be useable... I generally favor a D-ring, but I don't think you'll have any problems with a no handle especially from Tony, he really knows his stuff, and wouldn't sell them if he wasn't sure of their quality.
I just ordered a no handle from him to replace a Dovo D-ring strop that I'm passing on to a friend.
Ahhh, the great handle debate <g> Many. many older barber's strops were made straight cut across the bottom...no handles. The Illinois 361 is a modern day example and a quick check of ebay will turn up many as well. Hand American makes them as well. I simply lay the strop across my index finger so it supports the entire width and clamp in down with my thumb. Works fine.
As for quality there is no difference. The same leather goes into everything from Starter to Artisan. Anything cosmetically less becomes practice strops or giveaways and is marked with an "S" for "seconds". Anything functionally less is thrown away.
Tony
Thanks for the insight & info!
I personally like the classic look of the no handle strop. When I first started I was worried that it would be hard to hold on to but I'm such a cheapskate that I went with the no handle version anyway:) I haven't regretted it, I still think it looks better and there has been no problem keeping my grip.
Since both are of both are of equal quality and utility, I would go with whichever you will enjoy looking at the most. After all it will be hanging on your wall 24/7 but only used for about a minute a day.l
I used both the no-handle practice strop (a second by Tony's account above) and the d-ring strop last night. I found the d-ring strop MUCH easier to use and maintain a firm grasp and flat working surface of. I'm sure with one or two uses, you'll find what works for you, but having a high-quality d-ring strip hanging right next to it, the practice strop really didn't stand much of a chance to see a lot of use. :-P
I just added the D ring to my Tony Miller strop and like it much better. With the no-handle strop, I had to give up some stropping length (because of my hand) and the end of the strop started cupping.
I ordered the D ring assembly, installed it, and I am much happier. I can strop on the entire length, and it is easier to hold--expecially when giving it palm rubs to keep it supple.
Hope this helps.
Ron.
I ordered/received my no-handle strop. I definitely like the way it looks, we'll see how I handle stropping with it.
It's good to know that if I really want, I can install D rings.
all 6 of my strops from Tony feature a D-ring with the pre-summer handle. I have a strop enroute from HandAmerican which has Keith's "ergonomic" handle which is am quite curious to use
I like my no.2 no handle strop from Tony. I get to feel the exact tension that I'm using on the strop. I find that strops with handles tend to get pulled too tight, causing the sides to curl. When my other strops curl, I end up holding them above the handle anyway.
Ernest