Suitable strop?

I second much of what's said above - the strop you posted a picture of is likely acceptable, but no better.

If you buy this, I suspect you will be looking for a replacement in the near future, which doesn't make it much of a bargain.

If you're really looking to minimize your outlay, I would ask around to see if anyone has a strop they're interested in selling.

If that doesn't work, Tony's top of the line, 3" strop only costs about 30 pounds and his 2.5" strops cost under 20 pounds. You will be much happier with either of these in the long term than the strop you posted a picuture of.

I know people always suggest that nebies ask Tony to see if they can buy a "second" from him (and I've never once heard him complain about this), I don't think its fair on Tony to do this - he's running a business after all - especially considering how reasonably priced his strops are - in particular in light of their quality.

Just my $0.02.

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Originally Posted by suzuki

I know people always suggest that nebies ask Tony to see if they can buy a "second" from him (and I've never once heard him complain about this), I don't think its fair on Tony to do this - he's running a business after all - especially considering how reasonably priced his strops are - in particular in light of their quality.

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I disagree. Just like Colleen, Tony knows the value of letting out some of his wares cheap or free. Once somebody sees the quality of workmanship, they'll be back for more and telling all their friends. Just like we do.


X

Quote:

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Originally Posted by xman

I disagree. Just like Colleen, Tony knows the value of letting out some of his wares cheap or free. Once somebody sees the quality of workmanship, they'll be back for more and telling all their friends. Just like we do.


X

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My point isn't whether Tony sees the benefit of giving/lending strops for demos or selling his wares at reduced prices - the point was whether it was fair for people to suggest to others that they should ask Tony for a deal/second, etc.

I'm not trying to speak for Tony - I'm just saying that I don't think its fair for people to suggest this, as it puts Tony on the spot.

I do sell a nice # 4 Beginner strop for only $22.95 on my site. This is a first quality piece of leather and not much more than what I used to sell seconds for.


I'm always glad to help but there is a limited supply of seconds as I am giving them away daily with my nicer strops. Yeah, I could sell them and make a few $$ but it short changes the guys buying the nice ones and wishing for a practice piece too.

Right around Xmas I was so short on seconds a few guys actually got some discontinued "firsts" of models I no longer make.

I will be listing some other discontinued models ina few days from leathers I no longer carry. These are #1 Best designs but with non-usual leathers.

Thanks,
Tony

Tony makes excellent strops and you can count on his reputation.

His beginner strop will function just as well as the more expensive ones, i would have thought, and will be 100 times better than the ebay one. Good leather costs money so you will not get any cheaper than Tonys intro strop.

If you are really struggling, since you are in the UK, drop me a PM and I can make you one up like this for £20 delivered.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/compo...per/Itemid,33/

You won't go wrong with Tony though.

My Tony Miller strop came in the morning post. His website does not do it justice. I think I must have gotten one of his "first" grade strops as a practice strop. It is far better than the Illinois Razor Strop Co. strop that I have so you can only imagine how nice and heavy duty his #1 three inch Honey Brown is. My advice to anyone new into straight shaving is to ask yourself if you are committed to it. If the answer is yes, go ahead and get the Tony Miller because you will eventually end up with one. As a matter of fact, if I had found this forum when I started I could have saved a great deal of trial and error as well as money by buying a set from him.

Vern

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

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

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.

Wow! I am surprised at the fees. I did already know about the VAT but that is one you cannot escape it seems. The Parcel Force customs fees are a surprise though. I ship everything via USPS, out mail service and I guess the charges work differently that those coming here.

If I buy from Germany, Canada or the UK and te seller uses UPS I get hit with a brokerage fee and duties. if via the mail service I usually pay none of that as long as the shipment value does not exceed $1200 US.

Those fees are all coming from your own countries practices, not me. I charge only actualy costs and many times shipping exceeds my estimates by a few $$ and I throw in the difference.

I have started using Global Priority this year instead of Airmail Parcel Post to save my international customers a few $$. it cannot be insured so I cover that myself and will pay any claims out of pocket if tey arrise. My past 2 years have been claim free and I am banking on that with this new self-insurance policy of mine.

Very sorry you all get taxed so highly on these.

Tony