Thread: What Kind of Strop?

Here's something that may not be obvious to the onlooker and one of the reasons i like D-rings: When using both sides of the D-ring strop, you only have to flip your wrist to get to the other side. I have the other types too.

I certainly recommend the SRD strop line with all that interchangeable/replacement/upgrade options. I wasn't real crazy about the nylon webbing, but have come to like the audio feedback. If you put much pressure on that stuff you'll need ear plugs (sounds not unlike sawing lumber with a hand saw).

And i have recently been trying to correct a fault in my stropping where I sometimes start the backstroke with the spine just off the strop. The correction has to do with where i place my thumb, and I've got a good bit of muscle memory built in. SO, what i'm getting at is that I never cut a strop until i started focusing on eliminating that lift and where my thumb was. Two teeny nicks, second one tonight.

lesson: WHEN learning OR TWEAKING your strop technique, SLOW DOWN a little to reprogram the muscles.

cheers

Never would have guessed there would be so many opinions on a piece of leather and some brass. I am trying to keep my choices limited to what I can purchase from Fendrihan because it's cheaper and easier to buy from a Canadian site (no duty or hold up at the border).

Illinois Razor Strop Co. 827 Imperial Russia Leather Strop | Fendrihan Shaving Store

Think this is what I'm going to purchase, it's going to be interesting when I have to ask about hones......


Thanks!!!!!

Dan

Originally Posted by Gonzo4str8rzrs

I love my plain vanilla strop from Tony Miller. It cost about 40 and quality is there and for 40 I don't think you can get much better. Mine also has the cotton/linen strop with d rings. He will make it however you want. Really great guy. Check him out by googling his name

+1, a really great strop. Very impressed with the quality of the leather and the fit and finish. $40 well spent.

The canvas on the 827 has a light abrasive impregnated in it so it will help you keep your razor sharp for longer.

A 3" Black Latigo would be a fine choice. I now own two strops, a latigo and a premium II and have been itching to get an english bridle as there are many great reviews. But they all pretty much do the same thing at the end of the day.

My vote is for a "poor mans strop" from whipped dog.com Nothing fancy but very cheap and it works great. So when you nick it up you are only out a few bucks and can buy a better one or another poor man strop.

Good choice Dan. As you read through the posts here you can see that a very large part of straight razor shaving is subjective but we all constantly strive for that perfect edge on our favorite straights. If you enjoy straight shaving and decide to stick with it you will find yourself trying out many ideas that you find here on SRP and eventually you will have your own favorite be it strops, hones, honing and the differences in straight razors in terms of grinds, steel used and country of origin. And even with your mind made up on preferences you will likely read about a different method for this and that and give that a try. This, at least to me, is a big part of why I enjoy wet shaving with straights. Welcome to the forum, enjoy, and never hesitate to ask questions.

Great Choice on the Illinois 827!! It’s my Go To Strop right after honing!! I have others but the 827 is one I’d never part with!! I’ve actually given one to an apprentice in India when he couldn’t find a strop there! He couldn’t even find a leather worker to make one after I’d sent him a pattern!!

Anyway treat it well and it will do you well!

Originally Posted by Quakefire

Never would have guessed there would be so many opinions on a piece of leather and some brass. I am trying to keep my choices limited to what I can purchase from Fendrihan because it's cheaper and easier to buy from a Canadian site (no duty or hold up at the border).

Illinois Razor Strop Co. 827 Imperial Russia Leather Strop | Fendrihan Shaving Store

Think this is what I'm going to purchase, it's going to be interesting when I have to ask about hones......


Thanks!!!!!

Dan

I have that strop and I love it!! The Fine Linen side, or as they call it, Finishing, is impregnated with zinc oxide:



Which seems to do a nice job on my blades...I actually strop on the leather first, then strop on the finishing side, keeps my edges quite nice.

One thing though, the strop must first be treated with the Fromm Strop Conditioner, one of the only strop's that you need to do this. Phil at the Classic Edge recommends this on his site. So find out if they pre-treat it or you need to get some as well.

Of my two other strops, this strop has a nice heavy draw, and it's a keeper for me.

IMO, you made a great choice...

Quakefire;

Over the years I’ve found that 99.9% of Everything about Buying Using and Maintaining Straight Razors is ‘Personal Choice’!

So ‘Personally’ I’d forgo the Fromm oil! I’ve had my 827 for years and it has worked great right from the get go!

I do hand rub it before each use and its responded well by just doing what it was meant to do and that is keep razors sharp!!

You’ve made a wise purchase choice! Enjoy it when it arrives!! Your razors will thank you for it!