Star Shaving Big Daddy vs. SRD 3" Black Latigo *cloth component*
Hey everybody, the time has come for a new strop. My two vintage 814 strops just don't seem to be working for as well as I'd like.
On one, the linen is way to hard and no matter what I do just won't come clean. I've also had to use the back (suede side) of the leather component, as the front is too gouged and scratched. The back side is working okay, but not great.
On the other, the linen is great, but the leather component has a 3/4" cut about 4" up from the handle, and a nick about 2" from the hanger. I've tried repairing them with contact cement, but alas, I still feel them while stropping and don't want to damage the razor. I can strop between these two blemishes, but the area is rather small and takes forever, but it also gives good results to the edge.
With all that said, I'm trying to decide on the Big Daddy Black Latigo from Star Shaving or the Black Latigo from SRD. I know I want the Black Latigo as I like more draw on my leather. I tried pulling the trigger on the Star Shaving strop last night, but for some reason, my internet connection goofed and it didn't go through. This, of course gave me time to second guess myself. :)
My main question, particularly for those with the Big Daddy, is how well does the Wool Felt work untreated with any pastes? I would like to use one strop rather than switch between two, otherwise I'd just go for it and use the (good) linen component of my 814. This is what attracts me to the SRD strop, but my wallet is groaning just a bit at the $25 difference in cost.
I know both have gotten favorable reviews all around, particularly on the quality of the leather, but I was curious specifically about the fabric component.
Any thoughts before I pull the trigger on one?