Illinois Strops

Hey guys.
Just looking into getting a strop (if luck doest prevail in the 'show us your shave face' contest!)
I wondered if anyone has any experience with the Illinois strops from ClassicShaving?
They fit my budget and are being sold from a reputable retailer.
Thoughts?

I've always used them. They work great. I've used both the #127 and #827. Although, I now normally use a TM strop instead of the #127.

They are very good strops. I've cut my teeth on an Illinois strop.

i see you are in Canada, just be careful with the dollar conversion and any broker fees that apply, cuz they suck.

i have an Illinois 206 and it works really good, but is a bit small for most people. the hardware is nothing special though, it works fine but seems a bit cheap. check out your local aesthetics supplies shops to compare prices as they usually have a listing for Illinois strops.

if i was going to buy one out of the US right now i would look at Tony Millers stuff for sure. unfortunately there aren't many Canadian retailers to choose from.

good luck and i hope that helps.

I've had the Illinois #127 for a while now, and it still serves me well.

Same here I have a #206 and it's a bit small but a great starter strop for the price.
hope this helps

I have an Illinois 351 which is a great strop, but I tend to prefer my TM latigo.

X

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chee16

i see you are in Canada, just be careful with the dollar conversion and any broker fees that apply, cuz they suck.

i have an Illinois 206 and it works really good, but is a bit small for most people. the hardware is nothing special though, it works fine but seems a bit cheap. check out your local aesthetics supplies shops to compare prices as they usually have a listing for Illinois strops.

if i was going to buy one out of the US right now i would look at Tony Millers stuff for sure. unfortunately there aren't many Canadian retailers to choose from.

good luck and i hope that helps.

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I see you're from Chatham. Sarnia is home for me, though I'm currently studying in Vancouver.
You mention local aesthetics suppliers... who do you use?

I have the #827 and it works just fine.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by brockd

I see you're from Chatham. Sarnia is home for me, though I'm currently studying in Vancouver.
You mention local aesthetics suppliers... who do you use?

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Sarnia eh. we are pretty close to each other then (well not right now;)). there was another member who PMed me about being from Sarnia. its good to know there are others around who are into the SRs.

what i ended up doing is going to all the small barber shops and asking about ordering a strop through them. all of them said they could get one for me but one Lady was quicker and seemed nice so i went through her and she gave it to me for her cost, so now she is my barber :D. i think she went through Windsor aesthetics, but there are 2 other ones in town also that all seem to have similar catalogues. i found a pure badger brush there also for a good price. since you're in Vancouver you should have more options out there then back here for sure. it will take some searching though.

i recently found a local saddle maker who sold me some latigo leather in whatever size i wanted (i opted for just over 24in. X 21/2) and i made my own strop. the surface is nice but i think i will go over it with 1000 grit paper lightly to get some tiny wrinkles out. so that is an option also. i bought some waxed thread and folded the end over a piece of leather string for hanging. altogether it cost me around $20 and should work good, but there is a little work to it.

good luck. maybe once we get enough members from this area we can have a get together like those spoiled US guys do :w :rolleyes:

My Illinois lasted for 8 years. It is more chewed up than a dog bone. I now have a Mr. Ugly and I love it. High draw and big. Great stuff that.

I'm using the 827 with no complaints. :rock:

Although I didn't get it from Classic Shaving, my Illinois model 361 strop has been a good strop.

Cheers,
Jeff