Thread: Illinois Brand Strops

Doc,

Thanks very much those links pretty much explained what the use for this 827 really is. If I understand what Tony Miller said it's not made to be a regular strop but rather a replacement for a pasted leather/linen and is used prior to using the smooth finished strop we all know so well.
This would also explain my poor results. Use this one first then the smooth for the finishing strokes.
For me I would prefer a linen then a Latigo smooth strop. I don't see the need for an extra step with the rough sided strop.

I recently purchased an 827 i am pleased with this strop excellent draw on it.

I was surprised with the texture of the 827 strop as the pictures in the adds are not the best. All in all this is a great strop i would recommend it.

Originally Posted by Gunner777

Doc,

Thanks very much those links pretty much explained what the use for this 827 really is. If I understand what Tony Miller said it's not made to be a regular strop but rather a replacement for a pasted leather/linen and is used prior to using the smooth finished strop we all know so well.
This would also explain my poor results. Use this one first then the smooth for the finishing strokes.
For me I would prefer a linen then a Latigo smooth strop. I don't see the need for an extra step with the rough sided strop.

I think what I said (or meant anyway) was that I find it best as a preliminary strop, before using a smooth one. I used to pair it with a 127 which is identical but smooth, made from the skin side of the hide, not the flesh side as the 827 is. It is not a replacement for a pasted strop or stone, but is just a rougher final (or intermediate) strop.

I agree that most dealer do not describe what it is and because of that every week there are threads from newbies asking "why so rough". They then get endless instruction on how to sand and treat it so it is as smooth as the 127................so, if shopping for an Illinois strop why not get the 127 in the first place?

When you get a good one the Illinois strops are fine. Yes, I am biased but I was originally an Illinois dealer so am pretty familiar with their products and their quality.

Tony

Tony,

Thanks so much for jumping in and giving your expert information. The pictures you see on websites that sell these are pretty bad and they don't give you any information about it being an intermediate strop.
That pretty much settles it for me though. I'd still rather have one of your Latigo strops and skip the rough one:-) It just seems like an unneeded extra step. Put a better way an alternative method to stroping.
Even though I was off on the quality aspect as far as the leather finish being rough as an oversight the quality on mine with the uneven stitching etc doesn't instill confidence in the product.
As an aside I do like the wool felt with diamond spray that Lynn sells. I won one of these at the drawing at the Missouri meet and it works very well. After honing I use the linen then the wool felt and finally the old strop with the smooth finish. That's just what satisfies me when all is said and done:-)
Anybody want to buy an 827 cheap--LOL!

Phil

Many people make a fine finishing strop from these and some prefer the roughness for all their stropping. I myself like it as an in between step but I can imagine for a heavy meat chopper they may be just right as they are. I like a heavy draw on heavy razors, a very light draw on lightweight razors.

I think the pasted felt is a great inovation. I have not used one or even seen one in person but the concept sounds right on.

I like using pastes on leather but it is a shame to take a top quality piece of leather, one that would make a perfect finishing strop, and use it just for pastes. The felt sounds like a more viable alternative. Being man-made it is apt to be very consistant in quality and of never endling supply, unlike leather.

Tony

Tony

The way it was esplained to me by the reps at Fromm (originally the Illinois Razor Strop Company) in the olden days, the Russia strops were considered the best for heavy blades such as wedges. For lighter blades, hollow grinds for instance, lighter strops such as Cordovan shell were preferred.

I'm guessing that few shaving supply retailers know this info about strops.

I use an Illinois #827, and it works just fine.

That's one thing I love about our forum. Everyone responds with the intention of helping out other members and sharing information. Face it none of us are total experts but together we have a good bit of knowledge on our favorite subject.
I always appreciate the input from others and I usually learn something which is a real plus not only for myself but for us all.

Thanks!!!!

Originally Posted by honedright

As a side note, many of the better vintage strops, such as "Dubl Duck", and others, are actually IRS Co. manufactured and re-labled.

If Illinois still made them like they used to, then I'd still be a fan.