Star Shaving Big Daddy vs. SRD 3" Black Latigo *cloth component*

[crouton976]

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?

[bill3152]

I have both. I think the big daddy is a pretty good strop, but the srd is much better quality. Does it make the shave different? No. The felt on the srd is much harder than the softer felt on big daddy.I use em both to dry before leather. The extra money on the srd is worth it IMHO as it really looks nicer. Functionally they both work great so its your call. You won't go wrong with either.:

[crouton976]

Well, I did some more pondering on everything. I think I'm going to go with the SRD strop.

My reasoning is that while they both may function the same way in terms of the shave, I know SRD sponsors this forum. With only a $25 difference in cost, I can easily say I've gained $25 worth of knowledge here. Without SRD, that wouldn't have been possible, and I'm a huge advocate of supporting those who have supported me.

Thanks for the input, Bill!

[CaliforniaCajun]

I have an SRD kangaroo strop but won't use it until I quit cutting strops up.

I also have a Tony Miller strop I won't use for the same reason.

I got the Big Daddy (English Bridle) because it was less expensive, so that I could practice.

[crouton976]

CaliforniaCajun,

I actually just pulled the trigger on the SRD strop , though I told SWMBO that I reserve the right to buy the Big Daddy at a later date if I choose to. She kinda looked at me and said "That's fine. I reserve the right to cancel your credit card in the meantime."

Geez, you'd think she'd be grateful... I made sure to get her some samples of the SRD shave soaps to go with an extra brush and a DE razor I gave to her. That's a whole $4.00 I spent, just for her!!


(In all reality, she totally gets the long term costs are less than cartridge razors... assuming RAD, HAD, SAD, BAD and any other AD doesn't kick in... she's truly a keeper and puts up with my BS, so I have no complaints and am extremely lucky to have her)

[WhiskerHarvest]

I have an SRD kangaroo strop but won't use it until I quit cutting strops up.

I also have a Tony Miller strop I won't use for the same reason.

I got the Big Daddy (English Bridle) because it was less expensive, so that I could practice.

Hey, this is my dilemma too, I have a big daddy and won't buy a better strop until I stop nicking the leather. My first strop lasted 10 months, I recently purchased two leather replacements and have one little nick in two months. Once I am finished with the "training" strops I have one nice piece of new leather left to make it look good and then I am on to more expensive and exotic strops.

It would have broken my heart to carve up a roo strop due to my inexperience!

Crouton, you probably won't be disappointed, the SRD strops are highly recommended. I will get back to you PM later this week. My free time has been spent wisely watching Longmire!!

[crouton976]

My free time has been spent wisely watching Longmire!!

Glad to be of service...

And, is it just me, or can you not picture him shaving with a straight?

[WhiskerHarvest]

Glad to be of service...

And, is it just me, or can you not picture him shaving with a straight?

Ha, oh yeah! It is a great show. I really enjoy the western style adapted to current era and events. He is portrayed as a man of honor and respect as you mentioned in the other discussion, it is quite refreshing and admirable.

[crouton976]

Just throwing it out there... Got my SRD strop in last week and LOOOOOVE it. I'm super happy with my choice of the Black Latigo and the webbing has the exact same feel as my linen component on my old vintage strops.

[bill3152]

Love my srd latigo and just yesterday got my srd roo strop. Great quality and value.