Thread: Which Tony Miller Strop???

Hi

I was looking at Tony Miller's strops and i am trying to choose between the following two.
I mailed Tony he said there is nothing in it only the draw one being lighter than the other, he said it is a matter of taste.
As i have little experience i woundered which people here prefered??

Heirloom #1 BEST Wide 3" Red Latigo Hanging Strop (More Draw)

Heirloom #1 BEST Wide 3" Vintage Honey Brown Hanging Strop (Less Draw)

I have only ever used the red latigo, and its been perfect, the draw gives me a better feel of what Im doing and I think helps me keep the blade from moving vertically while I am stropping. I am not sure what benefit having less draw would provide, as red latigo was the only choice when buying my last few strops. I really dont think there would be any benefit to less draw other than perhaps just personal preference, and that I can help you with. Tony has always done a superb job of guiding me when buying a strop, have you considered asking him? He is very honest and will really try to help without regard to prices, in fact often times he has saved me money by telling me what I didnt need.

I have the red latigo also. I'm very happy with it.

I think that the Honey Brown leather is an option for people looking for a more "traditional" looking strop.

Ray

The Honey Brown leather does not have any oils or waxes impregnated into it so wouldfeel more like a commercially made Dovo, Jemico or Illinois strop would. Being untreated is easier to do your own thing on as each dressing (or lack of dressing) will create a different feel. I use mine plain, untreated as a finishing strop after using my red latigo or instead of it sometimes. You can use tradional strop dressings, lexol, Neat's Foot Oil, etc... and get a variety of surface effects. This would aslo be a good choice for guys into the pumicing, etc....

The red latigo seems to perfom it's best when left alone although I know some guys have worked these over too.

So, in short, the red latigo behaves like a well dressed strop with lots of draw and that is why I introduced it. It behaves differently than the commercial strops then on the market. The Honey Brown is a more natural feel leather and will be very much like a new commerically made strop that has not yet been dressed and has a smooth surface, not buffed like a Jemico has.

One is not really better, just different.

Tony

If the additional draw stops the spine from being lifted from the leather that would be an advantage. I have got one blade that often lifts its spine (sounds like it got a mind of its own doesn't it?).

Thank you for your opinions guy's much appreciated.

Looks like the Red Latigo it is then!!

You'll be pleased with it. I have the #2 in red latigo, and I've never regretted it.

I recently recieved my Latigo and honey 3" strops from Tony. All that can be said is; They are top top quality and perfom very well.

PuFF

The Red Latigo is nice choice, it creates drag with no effort, in any condition of the blade. I prefer to get a bit more response for the razor's condition from untreated leather, though...

Nenad

Thank you for all your advise, you will all be pleased to know that i have ordered a 3" Red Latigo strop from Tony.

Thanks

Tom