Thread: Input on picking a strop....

Red,
My advice based on my own products is that for most needs the Red Latigo is the best bang for the buck. It has the most draw and is very resistant to cupping or bowing. The horsehide, while more expensive, is not inherently better, just different. the material costs more, has less yield per hide and is harder to work, hence the premium price. It has less draw but is just as effective. I think beginners do better with more draw, or feedback, when learning to strop. I prefer narrow strops but 90% buy the 3" over the 2 1/2" models. With a 3" no X-pattern is needed.
If just starting the Apprentice has the good leather but simple, budget hardware, keeping cost down. These will not be back again for several weeks though.

For alternatives Damon makes an economical strop, similar in construction and may be in stock now and similar in price. Many here are very happy with this choice too.

You mentioned budget is an issue so maybe one of these alternatives would work:

For a maker like Illinois I would pick the #127 if I had to have a handle, or my preference the #361, a nicer but handle-less strop in the traditional style. Either of these would be less money than mine and should work just fine. I originally sold Illinois strops but the quality varied piece to piece. the good ones were very nice and if you get any with a less than ideal surface it should go back in exchange for a smooth one. (this applies to mine or anyones strop)

Dovo has a variety of models with their larger ones priced similar to mine but the less expensive ones are quite a bit smaller. All will do the job as well.

Hope this helps till other chime in.
Tony