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.