Thread: Travel Strop review.

I travel a lot (sitting in an airport lounge right now ) and always have to use a disposable. I don't check bags and they won't let my carry on through with a straight in it.

I don't think you will find too many of my Apprentice strops cupping. I did have a less than perfect batch of leather and occasionally one will be a bit thinner than others and likely that is what is giving Chrisl his cupping problem. I did offer to replace his if he wants.

I think the weight and stiffness of what I use on Apprentice strops (heavier that normal) will not result in cupping with normal use.

Tony

Originally Posted by fpessanha

Leon (also portuguese) told me of a shop in his town that sells leather. I will go there some time soon and buy some more leather.

Hello.

Congrats on the review, my friend!
Yes, I spotted a leather shop with all kinds of leather. I'll show you the shop when we'll make our own "SRP Portuguese get together" . I bet you'll find what you need there.

Best of luck on your new ideas on the next strops!

Originally Posted by Tony Miller

I don't think you will find too many of my Apprentice strops cupping. I did have a less than perfect batch of leather and occasionally one will be a bit thinner than others and likely that is what is giving Chrisl his cupping problem. I did offer to replace his if he wants.

I think the weight and stiffness of what I use on Apprentice strops (heavier that normal) will not result in cupping with normal use.

Tony

So thickness of the leather is key to prevent cupping eh? Thanks for the PSA!

Originally Posted by joke1176

So thickness of the leather is key to prevent cupping eh? Thanks for the PSA!

It is if making a strop with a single point of attachment. My practice strops are thinner and can easily distort if pulled to hard yet that same leather thickness works well for my Artisans. Supple is good in most cases as it allows the strop to conform to the razors edge, but supple or thin with a single hanging point can cup if pulled too tightly.

I feel the suppleness of the one being reviewed here is likely a plus as long as one pulls gently. There is a balance between thickness and supplenss. Too thick and too stiff is not as good, especially if the thickness is not needed as in a strop with a wider attachment point or hardware.

I have not seen one of the ones being reviewed here but it looks to me like it does just what it is supposed to do, so that makes it a success in my book.

Tony

Just a quick update on this strop. I have been doing a side by side comparison with the TM strop for a little while now and here is what I have:

-does the job, but takes a few more strokes due to the length difference.

-the springy/flexible nature of it, IMHO, works really well with the warped restores I have. Now, I really really like my TM. Really. Seriously, I think it might be some kind of lust, at least. BUT, I think the fpessanha strop works better with the warped razors I have, it conforms to em a little better.

I never thought I would be a strop AD guy, but fpessanha is doing bad things to me.

Originally Posted by joke1176

I never thought I would be a strop AD guy, but fpessanha is doing bad things to me.

It's not my fault! I really think that, deep down, we all have some sort of AD... I have SMD (Strop making disorder), the infamous RAD (tough under control since I have to borrow a credit card for that...), and SAD... This one is fed by my girlfriend that just loves that I smell good in the morning! I guess she's the one with SAD. And guess what? The other day I sneaked in on her and she was on eBay looking for... straight razors! Yeah... she's perfect! Plus she lent me all the tools so I could make the strops!

Originally Posted by joke1176

Seriously, I think it might be some kind of lust, at least. BUT, I think the fpessanha strop works better with the warped razors I have, it conforms to em a little better.

I never thought I would be a strop AD guy, but fpessanha is doing bad things to me.

"There is a balance between thickness and supplenss. Too thick and too stiff is not as good, especially if the thickness is not needed as in a strop with a wider attachment point or hardware."

The above quote from my own post is why the balance between thick and thin is important. Thick (and slightly stiff) is less likely to cup, thin (and slightly pliable) conforms better to curved blades. Add to that personal taste in how you want it to feel (which may have nothing to do with how it works).

In this case thinner and more supple will pack much easier than mine would for sure and likely better if just for travel.

Tony

Originally Posted by Tony Miller

"There is a balance between thickness and supplenss. Too thick and too stiff is not as good, especially if the thickness is not needed as in a strop with a wider attachment point or hardware."

The above quote from my own post is why the balance between thick and thin is important. Thick (and slightly stiff) is less likely to cup, thin (and slightly pliable) conforms better to curved blades. Add to that personal taste in how you want it to feel (which may have nothing to do with how it works).

In this case thinner and more supple will pack much easier than mine would for sure and likely better if just for travel.

Tony

Your horsehide is more supple, isn't it? I may have to invest in one of those eventually...

Originally Posted by joke1176

Your horsehide is more supple, isn't it? I may have to invest in one of those eventually...

Yes and no. here again, different thicknesses will have different end results. I have both thin and thick hides, both stiff and pliable depending on what one would prefer.

It strictly for travel I would go with something thin and supple that will pack (roll) easily, and gain the added effect of it conforming to curved or smiling blades. It after a simple strop for everyday use instead of travel I would prefer something with a little body or stiffness to it.

Again, it seems like the one reviewed will do exactly what is was designed to do.

Tony