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Thread: Cordovan vs. Shell vs. Horsehide?

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    Senior Member blabbermouth
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    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.
    Last edited by honedright; 09-28-2009 at 04:54 AM.

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    JMS
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    Quote Originally Posted by honedright View Post

    In humans, this same muscle layer (platysma) allows us the ability to make the WTF face.
    The things you know scott

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    Senior Member blabbermouth JimR's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by honedright View Post
    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.

    Interesting...this might cause trouble when Kanoyama release their "Lil' Platysma" line of travel strops next spring.

    I'll have to talk about them about how they're sourcing the leather...

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    Senior Member blabbermouth JimmyHAD's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by JimR View Post
    Interesting...this might cause trouble when Kanoyama release their "Lil' Platysma" line of travel strops next spring.

    I'll have to talk about them about how they're sourcing the leather...
    While you're at it can you get a price quote ?
    Be careful how you treat people on your way up, you may meet them again on your way back down.

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    Quote Originally Posted by OLD_SCHOOL View Post
    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.....

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    Still hasn't shut up PuFFaH's Avatar
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    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

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    Senior Member khaos's Avatar
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    This sounds about right according to that one website. Thanks guys.

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    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.
    Steel likes this.

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    Quote Originally Posted by honedright View Post
    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?

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    Quote Originally Posted by honedright View Post
    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?
    gabrielcr78 likes this.

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