Don't make your own strop....buy a much better one for LESS $$$!!!

Printable View

05-21-2009, 01:15 AM
jdurango

Don't make your own strop....buy a much better one for LESS $$$!!!

Well, I think my search for a no-frills, no-BS, high-quality strop has ended. I didn't think I could afford a Tony Miller ($60+ right?) but I didn't want to compromise on quality. So after doing a ton of research on making my own strop, reading the wiki, reading tons of forum posts, reading Tony's advice, and looking at the price of leather, etc....I have personally concluded that the best bang for the buck, high-performance strop is the new "Barber's Friend" strop by Tony Miller for only $38.99!!!

LINK: The Well Shaved Gentleman The Heirloom Razor Strop Company : Heirloom Latigo "Barber's Friend" Strop

It's basically the exact same high-quality, hand-selected, treated latigo leather used on his high-end "Heirloom" line, with more modest hardware. and aesthetics.

I looked at making my own strop from latigo leather (seemed to be the best all-around choice material), but at $38.99, I don't think I could buy the raw materials for this price!!! (especially when you factor in shipping from several different sources)

Long strips of 2 1/2" wide 8/9 oz. latigo leather go for about $30. Even if shorter strips were available for $15-$20, after you factor in some basic hardware, and the time and effort it would take to actually put the thing together (good luck not screwing up!), you're still gonna have a strop that costs AT LEAST as much (probably more) and won't be made of the same high-quality hand-picked leather that Tony uses.

So anyway, I guess my point is....for all you folks out there like myself, who don't wanna spend $60+ for a frikkin piece of leather, or pay a premium for some "designer" brand or fancy label, and are not sure not how to pick out a good "vintage" or "used" strop, BUY A TONY MILLER "BARBER'S FRIEND"....you will pay less and get more....trust me on this one!!! :tu
05-21-2009, 08:14 PM
Seraphim

+1 and then some.

I still have my original Starter/Apprentice strop, which is an older version of this same strop. Works just as well as my Artisan (sans canvas, of course...), an excellent piece of leather!
05-21-2009, 08:50 PM
Bladerunner

Great Choice!

No way you can go wrong there!
05-21-2009, 09:06 PM
0livia

Very wise decision!
(Just been working on some old ones)
05-21-2009, 11:52 PM
holli4pirating

I've still got my first strop, which I bought used; a similar TM travel/apprentice/starter strop (I actually have no idea what it's called). It strops just fine, so I see no reason for anything fancier. Sure, canvas/linen would be nice to have to play with, but I seem to get along just fine without it.
05-22-2009, 12:03 AM
hi_bud_gl

out of stock?
05-22-2009, 12:19 AM
Bladerunner

Nothing Like Grabbing The Last One!

Quote:

Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

out of stock?

Warms you up for Christmas!

:)
05-22-2009, 12:36 AM
McWolf1969

Quote:

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

I've still got my first strop, which I bought used; a similar TM travel/apprentice/starter strop (I actually have no idea what it's called). It strops just fine, so I see no reason for anything fancier. Sure, canvas/linen would be nice to have to play with, but I seem to get along just fine without it.

Yep...i bought a new Russian one, then bought an old vintage one and like it way better and it was half the cost. Its heavy, totally wore in, thick solid brass buckling...they just dont make 'em like that anymore.