Thread: While drooling over Tony Miller's website.....

I've got two 3" strops from Tony, but I sold my 2 1/2" one before trying these (like an idiot). If I could do it again, I'd have stuck with my 2 1/2".

Cupping is a real concern, BTW.

Cheers!

I've got a 3" TM, as well as a vintage 2.5" horsehide strop and a more recent production 1.5" strop... My strokes translate similar from the 2.5" to the 3" but are more consistent on the 3" (because I never miss the toe...). Over 2.5" it doesn't matter much to me. My vote goes for the 3" either way!

Originally Posted by richmondesi

I've got two 3" strops from Tony, but I sold my 2 1/2" one before trying these (like an idiot). If I could do it again, I'd have stuck with my 2 1/2".

Cupping is a real concern, BTW.

Cheers!

Yeah, I suspect I would feel the same way. I've really become accustomed to this old 2.5 inch strop. The thickness of the leather seems perfect and I feel that it's easy to get the entire length of the blade stropped with a little x pattern.

Thanks. I think when I can afford it, I'll be ordering a 2.5 inch from Tony.
Man, he makes gorgeous strops. And if they look that good in photos, I bet they are even better looking up close and personal.

Interesting poll results, that seem to put us in the minority. I wonder of those who prefer the 2.5 inch, if they are more experienced users, and how many are newbies like me?

Originally Posted by richmondesi

I've got two 3" strops from Tony, but I sold my 2 1/2" one before trying these (like an idiot). If I could do it again, I'd have stuck with my 2 1/2".

I had a 2.5" also, I sold it when my 3" arrived and really wished I hadn't, as I just prefer the 2.5" for some reason.

I also found the 3" I had started to curl a little (or is that what you meant by 'cupped'?), I don't know if it was a one-off but my 2.5" never did that.

I sold everything last year, but just emailed Tony this morning to order a fresh new 2.5".

Since going to the 3 inch, all my 2.5 inchers seem like midgets to me now when i use them. Still work fine though. Cupping has not been an issue on any of the 3 inch strops when leaving them hanging, for me anyway.

Lynn

I find that, once again, Lynn is in complete agreement with me.


Now if I could only hone like the chief, things would be marvelously swell.

Originally Posted by Lynn

Since going to the 3 inch, all my 2.5 inchers seem like midgets to me now when i use them. Still work fine though. Cupping has not been an issue on any of the 3 inch strops when leaving them hanging, for me anyway.

Lynn

I leave mine hanging as well, put notice that it cups when I strop (not major, but enough to notice... I don't notice it on my cotton or latigo, but on both my horsehide and linen (which is my go to strop)... This makes me wonder

Originally Posted by richmondesi

I leave mine hanging as well, put notice that it cups when I strop (not major, but enough to notice... I don't notice it on my cotton or latigo, but on both my horsehide and linen (which is my go to strop)... This makes me wonder

Strange, I've never noticed a cupping issue on my 3" TM Latigo/Horsehide. Since this thread started, I have checked and re-checked them, and they are both deadpan flat. Do you keep your strop in the bathroom? Maybe humidity from the shower is causing this?

Originally Posted by huntmol

Strange, I've never noticed a cupping issue on my 3" TM Latigo/Horsehide. Since this thread started, I have checked and re-checked them, and they are both deadpan flat. Do you keep your strop in the bathroom? Maybe humidity from the shower is causing this?

No, I keep it well away from my bathroom (at least 30')

I have 2", 2.5", and 3" strops. I learned on a 2.5" TM latigo, a great strop. But now that I have the knack for stropping, I get my best edges on the TM 2" latigo/horsehide. Something about the feel just agrees with me, I really can feel the strokes in my fingertips. I get great speed on the 2" too.

But in 3", my SRD Buffalo is no slouch by a long shot. Works great on big razors, and has a very unique feel. Almost feels elastic when pulled taut, and the thinness contributes to being able to feel every inch of the stroke on the wide strop. Cool color and smell, too.