Suitable strop?

[rum]

Well, Christmas has come and gone and the new year is upon us already. I managed to get a 'real' straight razor as I mentioned some weeks ago on this site. I am now looking for a strop, but don't want to spend a fortune. Is this eBay one sufficient?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...K:MESE:IT&rd=1

[Wildtim]

It doesn't look to be the highest quality. I would be willing to spend more for better quality. look at these and you can see some of the differences:

http://www.thewellshavedgentleman.com

I am not saying you have to buy from there there are other good sources but they do illustrate what a truly top quality product should look like.

Either on this page look to be a little higher quality leather.

http://www.diamondedgeltd.com/acatal...rushes_52.html

[FiReSTaRT]

I bought a Tony Miller strop as well and I've had 0 objections to it. www.thewellshavedgentleman.com is the way to go

[rum]

Nice, thanks for the useful link guys. Whilst in Trumpers last week, I noticed their strops were £50 plus ($100 and over I guess). I know this seller on eBay (well I've bought from there before). I'm currently using the inside of an old belt to strop my razor, even though I've not used it yet. I ought to soon though...

[Flanny]

If money's an issue then send me a pm. I can set you up with a working unit until you can afford one of tony's better quality items. My strops aren't master craft workmanship but they work much better than an old belt and strop just fine.

Glen F

[xman]

I would be skeptical of that strop too. Probably works as well as your belt.

Tony also frequently has "seconds" available, especially as an extra for the new guy who orders a #1 best strop to learn on so they don't damage the good one while they learn on the second.

Really there are lots of other options other than that eBay strop there.

X

[rum]

Thanks for the replies guys. Looks like I won't be getting anything from eBay then. Really, I need something wider than a normal belt. My blade is a good 2" long (approx?) and the belt is nowhere near wide enough for it.

Are FUD and Tony's secondary strops just as good/robust as a conventional one? Also what are the implications of shipping these to the UK? i.e. do they attract import tax and what are the postage costs involved?

Thanks again!

[PuFFaH]

Wildtim gave a good link to a cheap UK supplier and thier strops are just like Dovo for quality. Tony Miller makes a fine strop though I would recomend one @ 2.5" rather than 3" so you even the pressure across the blade while stropping. Don't consider an Ebay strop unless you are willing to put a lot of effort in to what could be a very old tired strop.

PuFF

[nerobot]

I got a Tony strop the other week and have to say that the quality is great. However, I would watch out if you get one deliverd to the UK (like I did). Costs quite a bit to send here (not saying Tony makes any money from delivary costs), and I was unluck and had to pay about £15 extra in VAT and holding free from Parcel Force.

Just something to look out for is all. By sounds of it though, a lot of people don't have much trouble with that.

But if you want to get a really godd strop (maybe now or maybe in the future), you can't go wrong with Tony's strops.

Steven

[Bobbo]

Whenever i import my wholesale supply of soaps from Colleen i have to pay VAT at 17.5% and parcel force customs charges. Parcel force charge a handling fee for sorting out the paperwork in customs. £13 is fine if you are importing £500 worth of stuff but for a £10 strop it is ridiculous.