Hidestoart strop review

This review will focus on the strops manufactured by Kevin AKA (hidestoart). The particular version being evaluated in this review was a limited supply select Horse Butt hanging strop. Chicago screws are used at attachment points for convenient strop removal. The personalized handle design is hand cut, textured and carved and brush coated with acrylic water resistant finish. Dimensions are 3”W x 29”L including hardware. The scope of this review is to provide accurate information to members.

Method:
To assure sufficient break in period a minimum of 150 razors have been prepared on this strop. A variety of razor blade profiles have been used from wedges, half hollows, full hollows, kamisori and lather catchers. 50 to 60 very light passes are completed on each razor prior to inspecting the edge with 100X magnification. Razors are then shave tested.

Conditioning of the new leather is done per the manufacturers recommendations. As the leather breaks in feedback or drag is increased. This is fast high performance leather that gets better and improves with use. It imparts smoothness to a razors edge that has reached ultimate progression.

Conclusion:
This is one of the finest strops for razors I have used. It has been tested alongside well known brands both vintage and custom made. The leather tooling displayed on Kevin’s strop is impeccable. Lines and carvings are symmetrical and precise. This strop is heirloom quality and should last for generations if properly maintained.
For more information contact Kevin via PM…..He can answer questions and recommend proper maintenance techniques. Enjoy!
Mike

test strops comparisons
http://i.imgur.com/NbdXRTm.jpg

cutting
http://i.imgur.com/XeBB1S2.jpg

carving & tooling
http://i.imgur.com/rOKZEvk.jpg

dye & seal
http://i.imgur.com/63GiMuM.jpg

Beautiful work...... My dad was a leather craftsman for most of my life as a part time job till his eye sight started to go. Really wish I would've been into straight razor shaving then. Would've been nice to have him make one. Very nice strop you have. Thanks for the review.

Amazing piece of workmanship, thanks for the great review MODINE.

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Originally Posted by Grazor

Amazing piece of workmanship, thanks for the great review MODINE.

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+1
Love the details in his tooling work.
Great craftsmanship.

Hey Mike it is a wonderful strop indeed.
I too have a "HIDESTOART" awesome strop.
Awesome craftsmanship for sure!!
Attachment 165098Attachment 165099

I am tickled pink with my custom strop from Kevin. He is an absolute craftsman.
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Attachment 165100Attachment 165101

I have seen several of Hidestoart strops at the Asheville Razor Meet. They are superb and I also have one ( love it!). I will post pics later.
After seeing a bunch of his other leather work at his home there is one thing I can tell you for sure, Kevin does world class art. He has some of the most ornate work I could have imagined. Last night I got on his case for not having an album of his other projects posted on his website.

If I ever get the money I want one of his IPad covers! and a wallet, and a strop case, and, and, and ........:)

Do you have his website? I'd be interested in some of those too! Tc

Absolutely stunning work.

Awesome details, love the variation of colors.

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Originally Posted by tcrideshd

Do you have his website? I'd be interested in some of those too! Tc

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www.hidestoart.com

I just logged in and saw this thread, I don't know what to say. In my wildest dreams, I never thought I would see my work displayed like this.
I am humbled by your kind words and I hope they bring you the same amount of happiness seeing this has brought to me.

Thank you

Kevin

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hidestoart

I just logged in and saw this thread, I don't know what to say. In my wildest dreams, I never thought I would see my work displayed like this.
I am humbled by your kind words and I hope they bring you the same amount of happiness seeing this has brought to me.

Thank you

Kevin

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It would seem you have paid your dues, Kevin! Congrats on a great review and keep your product true! :tu

I agree with Sharpton!!

Ray

I certainly love mine! I use it often. He was kind enough to make mine with only one strop and I can dress the very smooth back as I please, instead of using a linen.
Here it is peeking out from behind!
Attachment 165852

They are absolutely beautiful strops. I had the privilege to see several of them first hand as well as some of his other leather creations at the Asheville meet up and they are truly pieces of art. The craftsmanship and attention to detail are amazing the the colors are striking. I may be mistaken, but I believe Kevin placed second at a recent international leather workers competition where he competed against other leather workers from around the world. Now that's impressive.

I couldn't find where to purchase one. Do you have to commission a one off? These strops caught my eye more than any others i've seen.

For distant future reference, what do they go for on average?

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Originally Posted by HunterHagan

I couldn't find where to purchase one. Do you have to commission a one off? These strops caught my eye more than any others i've seen.
For distant future reference, what do they go for on average?

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No pricing info allowed on this forum.

Just email Kevin@hidestoart.com
~Richard

Here are a couple pics of the grain of this Horse hind strop. Kevin “Hidestoart” gets his leather from select sources here in the U.S. and abroad. In very limited quantities on this particular cut.
Mike

http://i.imgur.com/sf0EZK3.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/zD2lyMj.jpg

I will have to get some better photos of my strop that Kevin made for me also. The only photos I have right now are of the strop in the hotel at Asheville!!

Ray

Awesome looking strops for sure
Definitely would like one eventually