Thread: Need a good *cheaper* strop

can anyone point me in the right direction in looking for strops?

I have heard you should have a nylon strop and a leather one.
Is that right?

Also do you need a pasted strop?

Trying to keep costs to a minimum.

Thanks guys.

All you really *need* is a strip of leather. I like the ruprazors.com Filly. It does everything you need until you have the money for a big fancy strop.

Oh, and its only $20. If you have $35, I think Illinois strops start around there.

Originally Posted by DPflaumer

All you really *need* is a strip of leather. I like the ruprazors.com Filly. It does everything you need until you have the money for a big fancy strop.

Oh, and its only $20. If you have $35, I think Illinois strops start around there.

DP does it again lol.

Hey what do you think about nylon strops or pasted strops?

I have yet to get my first real strop, but I have the back of this one pasted with CO and it really seems to refresh the edge after a few weeks of shaving. Beyond that someone with more experience will have to chime in.

I used the Filly strop for my first 4 or 5 months as a straight shaver, and still go back to it every now and again. Definitely a purchase you won't regret (and seriously, at $20 it's a steal).

The Illinios 827 double sided stropp is under $50. Imho, I personally own one, and I like it very much. I also prefer the double sided stropps. I like using the linen, or canvas side first for proper polishing. I think it helps with the blades keaness. The linen side can also be pasted for additional polishing.

I like my TM latigo the best and wouldn't trade it, but I just got a Illinois 361 the other day and that thing is pretty nice. It has less draw than the TM, but that's why I got it anyway. I just wanted something different. That and I'm a sucker for the no handle style. I grabbed it at the knifecenter for under $40. It's nice and long(24") too!

The Illinois 361 is my favorite commercially made strop. I wish the cloth side was a bit different but it is a nice heavyweight strop at a good price.

Tony