Thread: Cordovan vs. Shell vs. Horsehide?

Originally Posted by honedright

Shell is actually produced from a part of the subcutaneous muscle layer in horses, and other mammals, called the panniculus carnosus. Humans have a similar thin muscle called the platysma (in our necks, not our butts).

This muscle in horses is what allows them to flinch their hide to shoo off flies.

In humans, this same muscle layer (platysma) allows us the ability to make the WTF face.

Ah, so when I round my edge on the strop, the strop can join me when I make my WTF face?

Originally Posted by honedright

Shell is actually produced from a part of the subcutaneous muscle layer in horses, and other mammals, called the panniculus carnosus. Humans have a similar thin muscle called the platysma (in our necks, not our butts).

This muscle in horses is what allows them to flinch their hide to shoo off flies.

In humans, this same muscle layer (platysma) allows us the ability to make the WTF face.

I nominate this as post of the year!

Informative, obscure knowledge brought to light,and a better understanding of my oft used WTF face? Do posts get any better than that?

Originally Posted by OLD_SCHOOL

Wow and just the other week you were panicking that he might stop making strops. Guess that was a bit premature.

Naomi-san only said that to Jim, to get Jim to make his WTF face, and then Naomi-san was gauging Jim's platysma flex as a possible source for his new travel strops.....

I have always understood that the old lables, Shell, horsehide, Cordovan and combinations off meant:

Horsehide:- any part of the horse able to be used.
Shell:- Horsehide rump pieces.
Cordovan:- Specially tanned Shell pieces, though I understood that any horsehide could be used with the Shell making the best Cordovan.

PuFF

This sounds about right according to that one website. Thanks guys.

I have an old vintage Master Barber Shell Horse strop, love it. The finished front side is slick as all get out, almost zero draw. The back side has a good draw and a velvet smooth feel. Love to have another, got this one from my dad. Sat on a shelf in the garage for many years.