Thread: TM compared to SRD

I have an SRD and a TM, both latigo two inch.

I have had the SRD for a while and like it. In a fit of SAD (Strop Acquisition Disorder) I purchased the TM. His store was open so I figured to get while the gettin' was good!

I was surprised at the lack of draw on the TM. Its surface is quite hard, almost like it was made of plastic. The blade almost bounces along the strop. I expected it to be similar to the SRD. The description on TM's web site says that the latigo has more draw than the horsehide. I have a RupRazor horsehide and it has considerably more draw than the TM. (The RR horsehide is suede-like and that is what creates the draw.) Both the TM website and the instructions that came with the strop recommend it be used as-is without any special conditioning other than hand-rub (which I have done).

Does anyone else have both of these strops and have an opinion on the differences between them?

I only have a TM Latigo strop. Mine has considerable draw. If you want to increase the draw put some of the neatsfoot oil on it that Tony supplied with the strop.

I recommend you send Tony a PM with your questions. He is very helpful, his after sales service is as great as the pre-sale service.

I have TM's Red Latigo and it too, has considerable draw. So much in fact, I use Kenrups Paladin as a Finisher....Actually, TM's is my go to strop...No problems at all...When you say, Ken's Horsehide, you mean Paladin, right...It's a suede finish, with medium draw I guess... it reminds me of the 2 inch Solingen strops....velvety feel to it....

Originally Posted by Kees

I only have a TM Latigo strop. Mine has considerable draw. If you want to increase the draw put some of the neatsfoot oil on it that Tony supplied with the strop.

I recommend you send Tony a PM with your questions. He is very helpful, his after sales service is as great as the pre-sale service.

No oil came with my TM strop. PM went unanswered for about a week, so far. That's why I resorted to asking here.

Originally Posted by zib

I have TM's Red Latigo and it too, has considerable draw. So much in fact, I use Kenrups Paladin as a Finisher....Actually, TM's is my go to strop...No problems at all...When you say, Ken's Horsehide, you mean Paladin, right...It's a suede finish, with medium draw I guess... it reminds me of the 2 inch Solingen strops....velvety feel to it....

Yup Paladin. I like it.

No oil came with my TM either so don't feel bad. You know what, it sounds like it's not broken in. Do you have Tony's phone number...? I know he won't do business on Sunday. You know he's like Amish light, right....Anyway, if you pm me, I'll give you his phone number. He loves to talk shop. Tell him your woes. I think your strop needs breaking in. Tony may have advice...he's a good guy, you shouldn't be having trouble. I know he'll make it right.....Rich

Originally Posted by TexasBob

No oil came with my TM strop. PM went unanswered for about a week, so far. That's why I resorted to asking here.



Yup Paladin. I like it.

Bob,
I don't always see the PMs, particularly those sent through B&B although I found it now that I saw your post. It is best to contact me right through my storefront or an email, I would have gotton back to you immediately if you had an issue with any of my products. my apoligies.

While I don't do business on Sunday I'd be glad to talk with you on Monday. Sounds like it just needs a little oil and a good rubbing.

Thanks,
Tony

PS, Zib I got a laugh out of the "Amish Lite" comment. Lorrie and I are Brethren (Dunkers)actually, closer to Mennonites than Amish.

Originally Posted by Tony Miller

Bob,
I don't always see the PMs, particularly those sent through B&B although I found it now that I saw your post. It is best to contact me right through my storefront or an email ...

Will do Monday. Thanks.

I was going to say i have latigo and cowhide very little draw with cowhide on my litigo it does vary but loads of draw mine came with oil but i no tony does'nt send oil nower days as he recomends just rubbing i only oiled mine once that was well over a year ago i just rub nower days. but very good strops.

Hi there Bob! I don't have TM's strop but judging from pictures, craftsmanship is very well done! How would you compare the craftsmanship between SRD's and TM's? Sorry to put you on spot as I only have SRD's 3" Latigo. I've been to Tony's site and am really impressed with products to choose from.

IIRC his strops are broken in and that there's nothing needed to be done.
I'm no expert on hides as I've been doing some research but to my knowledge the drawback to dealing with leather is fact that they are indeed natural. Which is why even on TM's site he mentions how the leather would even come in different gradations of color. Same quality just varying degrees aesthetics-wise.

Tanning factories sometimes have tendency to fold leather in tanning process so you get those undesirable creases. I've been to Tandy Leather Factory ( TLF ) and I must say it's rather challenging when dealing with leather.

I looked at 4-6oz, 5-7oz and even 9-10oz and majority of sections are worthless. If no one buys them then they won't get anymore in which led me to the 2" x 72 latigo they offer. Even those I found similar undesirable qualities from scarring, creases, non-uniformed folding, bug bites...

I'm cognizant Tony doesn't mass produce these and further he makes them at his own pace to ensure superiour item produced with regards to craftsmanship, fit and finish. I think that's nice as one can spend more time on quality control.

This is unrelated but does give credence to subject at hand with regards to quality. Pictured before you is both Dovo Best Quality and Black Star ( bottom )





If it's hard to see I apologize, the Best Quality in question the pinning isn't as symmetrical as Black Star is. The spacers are off. It's no doubt an excellent shaver. Just pointing out the quality of the asymmetrical pinning.

I hope that helps mate.

BTW I don't work for Tony just mentioning info from his site as well as info I've gathered.

Here's Lynn thread on draw-tip:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/strop...-draw-tip.html

Originally Posted by Tony Miller

Bob,
I don't always see the PMs, particularly those sent through B&B although I found it now that I saw your post. It is best to contact me right through my storefront or an email, I would have gotton back to you immediately if you had an issue with any of my products. my apoligies.

While I don't do business on Sunday I'd be glad to talk with you on Monday. Sounds like it just needs a little oil and a good rubbing.

Thanks,
Tony

PS, Zib I got a laugh out of the "Amish Lite" comment. Lorrie and I are Brethren (Dunkers)actually, closer to Mennonites than Amish.

I know Tony, That was a quote from you actually, last time we spoke....

Rich