Thread: Strops

I am new to wet shaving. I currently use a dovo shavette. Cheap shave soap and brush. Even with my inexpensive equipment I love the shave. I am looking into restoring old razors as a way to have a new hobby and save money over buying new razors. I have recently acquired a barbers dry hone. I do not know what to look for as far as strops are concerned. Does it even make sense to look for an old strop or should I plan on getting a new one, and if so what is a good maker and a reasonable price to expect for a strop worth having. I would appreciate any and all advice for a newbe.

i still consider myself a noob but i learned my lesson in getting a old strop. found a old illinois strop that i thought would work and after cleaning it up found i couldn't get the leather flat. i would suggest a beginners strop with replaceable components so if (and when) you nick it you can replace the parts. SRD is a good place to look and i have heard good things about Star Shaving.IMHO

Originally Posted by straightandtrue

and save money

Thats funny!

Welcome to SRP!

I've made all my used strop purchases work out. The first one still isn't great, but the canvas that came with it _is_ great.

The second used strop i got, turned out to be a good one to paste. The front leather isn't as flat as it could be, maybe i'll work on it someday.

The third used strop i got, is GREAT! super hard/slick Russian leather with one nick and a few very light nicks. Plus a good backside for trying another paste.

The fourth used strop (see any pattern?)...won't be here until tomorrow. It's an 827, and could be totally contaminated and worthless, but I kinda doubt it.

Between the 2nd and 3rd used, I received an SRD brandspankin'new strop (latigo) and I do love it. It's my "reference" strop and only wears nicks created by me. (brain fade one late night. that's when you put off the shave...)

I like fixing stuff, so i don't fret too much about getting a bad used strop. That's how we roll.

If i was recommending new strops, SRD or Whipped Dog. no need to go any further at all.

I recently had a friend off me a very old strop but it was in really dismal shape. So I ended up ordering an Illinois Razor Strop Co 127. I am very excited to try it out on my new to me pre 1890 George Wostenholm & Sons I.XL. I just finished the restoration and while she will not be museum quality the cutting edge is awesome, and the razor just speaks to me.

Originally Posted by WadePatton

I've made all my used strop purchases work out. The first one still isn't great, but the canvas that came with it _is_ great.

The second used strop i got, turned out to be a good one to paste. The front leather isn't as flat as it could be, maybe i'll work on it someday.

The third used strop i got, is GREAT! super hard/slick Russian leather with one nick and a few very light nicks. Plus a good backside for trying another paste.

The fourth used strop (see any pattern?)...won't be here until tomorrow. It's an 827, and could be totally contaminated and worthless, but I kinda doubt it.

Between the 2nd and 3rd used, I received an SRD brandspankin'new strop (latigo) and I do love it. It's my "reference" strop and only wears nicks created by me. (brain fade one late night. that's when you put off the shave...)

I like fixing stuff, so i don't fret too much about getting a bad used strop. That's how we roll.

If i was recommending new strops, SRD or Whipped Dog. no need to go any further at all.

My first and second strops were from whippeddog. Poor mans strop kit. Dirt cheap and functional. My current strop is from star shaving. 2" #1 English bridal leather for $15.88.

I just got my strop in th mail and it is awesome. However, I apparently need to Work on my honing skills. I really don't know weather or not to send my razors out to be honed right the first time and then work off that. , or if I should just keep my nose to the grind stone... for real though.

Originally Posted by straightandtrue

I just got my strop in th mail and it is awesome. However, I apparently need to Work on my honing skills. I really don't know weather or not to send my razors out to be honed right the first time and then work off that. , or if I should just keep my nose to the grind stone... for real though.

I'd send them out but then keep one as your benchmark to aim for when honing yourself.

Welcome to the forum

Roger