Which do you think has the most effect on a smooth shave? I realize that if you have a dull razor, no amount of stropping will make it sharp. So let me explain. I started with a Philly Strop. Chopped it up a bit, then bought a new one and told myself if I didn't cut this one I would buy a good strop. About that time I sent out about 10 razors for sharpening to GemStar Customs. He sharpened them on a thuringian stone (spelling?). They shaved very nice with my Philly strop. Then My wife got me a SRD Premium one strop for my birthday. The Philly didn't have a canvas counterpart. When I used the SRD strop with the linen side first, I thought, It felt great. Sharper, and smoother. I seemed like the razor actually got sharper every time I stropped the razor. What an improvement! Great strop. About the time my wife bought me the SRD strop, I found a Hess Hairmilk Labs, Gleidsdale Shell strop in a antique store and polished some surface marks out, and took it up to 12000 grit. Left the surface glass smooth.After I got used to the SRD strop, I tried the Shell strop. Again, what a difference. Made my razor shave so smooth. Never knew strops made that much of a difference. I just got a Scottish shell. It's in pretty good shape. Just needs a little work, and it will be in service.Now I have my eye on a Russian shell. I would like to see if there is and difference between the Russian, Scottish,or American tanned shell. So what do you think makes the bigger difference, the type of stone( providing that the are all good stones ) or the strop?