Thread: Illinois 827 vs. Tony Miller Latigo/Horsehide

I’ve been shaving with a straight razor for about one year. For most of that time, I've been exclusively using an Illinois 827 Russian Leather strop, with 25 linen and 50 leather, shaving every day. While I got pretty close shaves this way, I learned that I would get irritation if I shaved in certain ways, like ATG passes on certain parts of my face, or too much shaving in certain spots. Over time, my technique adjusted accordingly, and I sometimes, but rarely had any localized irritation, although sometimes I got in-growns and my face did feel a bit raw after some shaves. I assumed that this was normal, and that as I learned more things would continue to improve, as they did in the past.

I recently bit the bullet and got a Tony Miller strop, in part because of all the good things I heard about the quality and craftsmanship. I got the 3" latigo/horsehide combo, figuring I'll just keep using the linen on my 827, since it is nice and broken in. First off, this strop is beautiful, I couldn’t believe how nice it looked and felt, the pictures don’t do it justice.

I changed my routine to 30 linen, 30 latigo, and 30 horsehide. I noticed an immediate and fairly dramatic improvement in the comfort of my shaves. The same things that were causing irritation before now caused none. I have been loving this strop, I was amazed at the huge difference it made.

I’m wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience? I love the size and quality of the Tony Miller strop, but I’m wondering if the difference is mainly caused from the switch I’ve made from the rough/high-draw leather of the 827 to the smooth leathers of the Tony Miller strop?

I've been using an 827 as well, and I'm interested to hear the replies as I have some irritation after shaving. Granted, adjusting the angle has helped a lot, but I don't think I should have any irritation at all.

I unforunatly don't have a Tony Miller strop. I do Have an Illinois 827 strop, and I like it. It does not cause me any irritation what so ever. I 35 linen, 60 leather, and 35 finish leather on a Dovo 3" finish strop> My shaves are smooth as silk. I do want to eventually purchase a Tony miller strop. I hear they are awesome.

Pretty sure my wife is getting me a TM strop for Christmas . As this will be my first I'm glad to hear it sounds like I'm getting spoiled.

Originally Posted by jerald1978

Pretty sure my wife is getting me a TM strop for Christmas . As this will be my first I'm glad to hear it sounds like I'm getting spoiled.

If that is you first strop ever, get a cheap one for learning also. You will cut the heck out of it, I can guarantee you that.

To the OP: I have been living with a stiff 835 for a year now. I made a decision twelve months ago not to buy a better strop until I stop damaging it. Last week, I have bit the bullet and ordered a TM's 2.5'' horse hide w/ cotton and a 2.5'' practice strop. I have also spent some energy with pimping the 835, following the Seraphim's "Lithuanian example". I am already seeing good improvements and cannot wait to get the strops from TM.

I have both and my experience is that the Tony Miller is far better and worth every extra penny. With TM you should purchase the practice strop which I use when I travel.

My Tony Miller latigo strop (hanging) is my favorite piece of shaving equipment.

Those TM Horsehide/Latigo look great, very tempting, but 7,044$ is slightly above of what I'm willing to pay:



Now seriosly, that is next on my list (if price goes down!!!)

Regards

I've never had an Illinois but I've got TM's latigo and horse with linen and they are hard to beat. Top shelf in all regards.

Mandrake,
That is because you are a non-usa buyer. The browser you are using substitutes a comma instead of a decimal point. This is typical for non-usa based browsers.

It is $69.95 plus $49.00

Tony