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I just started a new job after a few months of unemployment so i'm starting to shop for a new strop. I haven't seen meny available here in norway, but there's a site selling a mountain mike 3". It looks like its that or ship one in from abroad, which i'm willing to do but it takes a lot longer. Has anyone used a mountain mike strop? What do you think of them?
I just got one from Classic Shaving a couple of weeks ago. It is the 3 inch latigo with handles and brown fabric in back.
I have used it about five times so far. I like it. It has soft, supple leather with a nice, moderated draw. It's a bit lighter draw than a SRD Premium 4, but more than a SRD Premium 1. The leather needs no additional treatment, just the usual hand rub before stropping. The "seat belt" fabric on back is the same as you see on SRD and some other strops, which feels a bit unusual but works very very well.
I would say that it's a good buy. I'm definitely going to keep mine. However, if you do not have a SRD Premium 4 strop, I would highly recommend getting that first instead. Same price, and the leather is amazing! Check the descriptions in the old threads in this site.
I just got a Star Shaving 3" strop. Very nice, and very reasonable price.
The mountain mike latigo was my first and I use it often still. Its still one of my favorites. Very thick and sturdy. Plus with the ability to remove the hardware you can just buy replacement leather if you ever need to vs a whole new set up so it's cost effective as well.
If you want a nice strop, you have a truly excellent Artisan very close by!
Home
The near home recommendation above is an excellent choice. Scrupleworks strops are world class and are not inexpensive of course. You will save on shipping costs however.
Using a 2" strop does not put any strain on the edge of a razor. Even with a 3" strop, the pressure won't always be even across the blade.
X pattern stopping works!
I guess all the old time barbers ruined all their razors while stropping eh?
Thanks for pointing out the x pattern works. As a beginner I just don't like it. I'd prefer a 3" as it seems easier where I don't have to worry about am I covering the entire blade evenly with feather light consistent pressure, and not rolling the part of the edge of the blade as it rolls over the edge of the strop.Quote:
Originally Posted by PuFFaH
I am not sure how this is helpful or constructive to the OP, but thanks for moderating.Quote:
Originally Posted by thebigspendur
If when you strop you feel you only covered a part of the blade, go over the other part on the next stroke but always remember to work both sides of the blade the same. Doing a set from toe to mid blade then a set from mid blade to heel is fine, sort of like doing double set per side.
If you have trouble doing the X stroke it might be because you are trying to end the stroke with only the toe of the razor left on the leather. Try just starting with the heel on and toe off at the top of the stroke and toe on and heel off at the end. That is heel and toe with 2" of blade always on the leather for their relevant strokes.
Not sure if that will be clear and I suppose what I am saying is don't do an extreme. X . Hope I was of some help.
Trev
Thanks Trev, that was helpful. I was focused on replicating the proper technique as you point out and as shown on hundreds of videos here and on YT. I know with practicing the x pattern I would master it, but probably at the expense of sending my razors to Lynn every few weeks LOL. As a beginner with an over-analytic personality, I figured the best for me would be the 3", so I bought the SRD Premium IV English Bridal 3" Long. Just waiting for SRD to hone and return my razor to try it out :)Quote:
Originally Posted by PuFFaH
Good luck and remember there are no rules just guidelines.