Thread: Cordovan vs. Shell vs. Horsehide?

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.