Thread: What makes good strop leather?

I can't comment on leather, and it looks like you've got plenty of advice already.

However, I would like to comment on this:

Originally Posted by toothlesrooster

He can't imagine spending $50 - $100 for stuff you shave with.

I can certainly understand that sentiment, having been regularly accused of being a cheap bastard all my life.

However, you might ask him what kind of razors he uses, and how long each blade lasts.

If you don't to anything clumsy or stupid, you can shave virtually for ever with a single razor and a good strop + a pasted strop or barber hone.

Somebody just posted about meeting an 85 or 95 year old guy at an antique shop (selling stuff, not on display) who had been using the same razor and strop for many decades with nothing else, and shaved his entire head with it.

With the cost of most disposables, it doesn't take long to make up your costs if that's your main concern.

Originally Posted by VeeDubb65

I can't comment on leather, and it looks like you've got plenty of advice already.

However, I would like to comment on this:


I can certainly understand that sentiment, having been regularly accused of being a cheap bastard all my life.

However, you might ask him what kind of razors he uses, and how long each blade lasts.

If you don't to anything clumsy or stupid, you can shave virtually for ever with a single razor and a good strop + a pasted strop or barber hone.

Somebody just posted about meeting an 85 or 95 year old guy at an antique shop (selling stuff, not on display) who had been using the same razor and strop for many decades with nothing else, and shaved his entire head with it.

With the cost of most disposables, it doesn't take long to make up your costs if that's your main concern.

I agree with you VeeDub65. It's this reasoning that's helped him to let me show him the ropes. I've explained all of this in detail and the fact that I have hones and am able to touch up his razor without any issues or waits. It's just the initial cost. If you think ahead and place the numbers side by side, he's seing that straight shaving is much cheaper. Even with some of the materials that will need replacing, such as shave soap and any pre treatments. It's STILL cheaper than shaving with disposables. Sometimes it's just hard to get out of our own way. With me being able to provide a cheap but quality strop to him and a quality vintage Sheffield or Solingen razor at little cost, this will help in convincing him. That and letting him see first hand how a good straight shave feels.

Toothlesroster cost is one thing that lead me to build my own strop and hell for that matter to build my own 28mm silvertip brush (that and I love doing that kind of stuff now, including scales ) I wanted a 3" red latigo but I now have RAD and already had a strop so I couldn't see spending 80 bucks on a new strop (I would rather spend 80 on several antique store razors). So I said what the hell and did it myself. Now I have a nice 3" red latigo that makes me proud every time I use it!!!

For TOOTHLESS.....I've been playing the str8 game since about 1968 or so and my hones and strops total well over $3 grand. I should be spanked and she better be good lookin'.

If you like it, do it. 5 minutes after the Mrs. hightailed it 13 years ago, I went str8 out and bought a Corvette. So there...!!! Full speed ahead on your strops...!!!

Jerry

If any of you gentlemen are looking for leather, I suggest you visit Tandy Leather/ Leather Factory.

Tandy Leather Factory - Choose Your Country

I have tooled leather for years and have always gotten quality hardware, tools, and of course, hides from tandy

No i don't work for them