Thread: Illinois #127

I'm currently using an Illinois #127. While I recognize that my stropping technique leaves something to be desired (i'm working on it), I would like to hear some opinions on this strop and whether I should invest in something a little better.

Thanks in advance.

There are better strops available but for the price and ease of use I’m quite happy with the 127. Never hurts to have several strops on hand so if you have the desire for another the Dovo line up is great as well as Tony Miller’s strops…

I have used this strop for several months now. I really like it! But it took a while for me to break it in to my liking. I've done some light sanding and conditioning of the leather surface. I'm sure a Tony Miller strop is of higher quality, but I've gotten along just fine with the #127.

I haven't used that model number, but I have a #827 and #805 the #805 I bought with my first straight razor in 1982 it still works just fine, the #827 is 3 years old now and still works just fine....

I also have a SRD and a TM they are both made of higher quality materials, ask me in another 20 years and I might have an opinion...

Meet ya here ok????

The #127 is a good strop. The trick is in prepping the surface so that it is very smooth without too much draw or resistance. Some recommend fine sandpaper, but I go with the old barber method of using a dry pumice stone. No worries about embedded grit particles with a pumice. Plus, the pumice is intended to be used to smooth skin (or a leather strop) but not so with sandpaper.

A little strop dressing, a smooth straight sided bottle, and frequent hand dressings and you're good to go.


Scott

I have the 127 and have not cared for it and have found TM's to be far superior. I havent tried using the pumice stone to prep the strop so I will give it a try.

The 127 was my very first strop. After I started making my own horsehide strops, it was banished from the bathroom to the workshop. Last fall, I decided to shower and shave in the football locker room at school after my bands very early marching practices. The football coach was kind enough to let me have a locker. Anyway, I needed a strop for the locker and I decided use the 127. It worked okay but I started thinking, I wonder if????? I used denatured alcohol to work out some of the wax from the surface. I then sanded it with 150 grit sand paper. I let it all dry and then I worked it same way as I do the ones that I sell. It became much more flexible and the draw was very heavy. But it works great now. After the never ending football season finally ended. The strop is back in the workshop but I will use it occasionally to test a razors response to a heavy draw.

It seems to be one of the most popular barber strops today. I've seen it in two different barber shops. I own one. It worked fine. I'm now using a Tony Miller.

Utility wise it is great. It just depends if you want economy or fancy. No strop has the great hardware of Tony Miller or Hand American. The cloth and leather are fine. Most seem to become addicted to the SRP stuff and buy more as funds allow. Buy it. You'll likely keep trying new stuff like the rest of us. Hmmm It is kind of like girl friends in HS and College and beyond!!!
Cheers!
MikeB

I have one and it works fine. I roughed mine up very lightly with a DMT 325 and applied a very small amount of Neatsfoot oil (I like a heavier draw). I rub it every day or so with my hand to keep it up. I use a Latigo strop more often out of preference.

Thanks to all, especially Sticky as I was wondering about hitting it with the 325. I'm hesitant to put sandpaper on it.