Thread: Strop Quality

Does it matter how high-quality your strop is?

I bought a strop (w/ a cheap razor) for about $20 on eBay. I got it, dry-pumiced it, put a little bit of my shave cream on it (to lightly condition), rubbed that in with my palm, dry-rubbed it with my palm, and them palmed in some yellow-tube paste.

Now, I have four razors, all probably low-quality, that I can't get shave-ready.

Now, I realize that I’ve erred in buying cheap razors, so I’m buying a nicer one soon. However, do I need to buy another, nicer strop? It’s not the dark chocolate color I usually see in strops online, it’s more of a light-color (but still makes the rasping sound…the “stropping properly” sound).

Do I need to get another strop, or will this one work well enough when I have a professionally honed “proper razor”?

If you paid $20 for a new strop, then it is probably one of those rubbish ones that abound on Ebay - there are a few types but typically each one has tons of listings.

There's nothing wrong with a cheap (by that I mean s/h) razor providing it has been cared-for. The ones to avoid are the cheap, brand-new Ebay ones. Not surprisingly, these new cheap razors are often bundled with a cheap new strop (plus other stuff like a shaving mug sometimes).

I tried one of those strops - for a laugh - and it was such poor quality that I ended up cutting the ends off, gluing it to a board, sanding the surface down till it looked like fine suede and using it with CrOx powder. Works like a champ once altered, but IMHO if you pay for something it should do what it says, you shouldn't have to mess around with it!

Don't lose hope - try reading the postings and wikis here before you make another purchase, though!

Regards,
Neil

try reading the postings and wikis here before you make another purchase, though!

Thanks Neil, I'm doing that NOW <-- me before SRP Forums.

I might just go ahead and indulge in a Tony Miller Strop then....since I'll be shelling out about $60 for a reworked razor.

FYI, the eBay razors were all "new," though I've learned already not to trust "shave ready." I guess another $30 or $40 for a nice strop to care for my razor would be well worth it.

I'm taking this Straight Razor shaving thing head on, knowing it's the best way for a great shave.

I already made myself mug-ish things in a pottery class in college, and found a bowl that will work perfectly. I ordered a brush from eBay that was Art of Shaving, their $55 one (only paid $20 or $25 on it).

I've already got BAR (sadly). Hopefully the next razor I buy will be good enough (and pretty enough) to be my last...for the time being.

Thanks again Neil!

It's a pleasure!

Try to resist buying a beautiful new strop before you get used to stropping - slicing a bit of expensive leather can bring a tear to the eye! One of the starter strops would be a good idea.

Have fun!