Thread: Neil Miller cordovan strop

Hi Guys

I have a Kanayama 8000 and one of Neil's 3" English Bridal but am in the process of buying one of his shell Cordovans.
If any one is lucky to have both could you tell me if there is much difference?
Quote from Neil's site: "I do not use the same leather as the 'kanayama' style of strop - the two are very different - kanayama is thicker and some have a light nap, for instance, and some are very glossy and plush. So - if you are after a kanayama-style strop, this is not the strop for you!"

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Mark

I have both. Forced to choose one over the other I would opt for a Neil Miller cordovan. I think Neil's work is the benchmark for all stropmakers to rise to. There are some makers who are very close to strop perfection and a Kanoyama strop is very close. Personally i think
I get more of what a post shave razor needs from Mr. Millers cordovan work. I spend quite a bit more time getting one of my straight's to the Miller level using a Kanoyama. Torolf' is another strop maker
who's work reveals expert craftsmanship. I use one of his cow hide strops and while it does its job well it is a totally different experience than the N. Miller and the Kanoyama's. For consistency and real value all of SRD's strops are perfect for their intended use. All imo.

My Neil Miller shell cordovan has draw, my Kanayma 80,000 feels slick under the blade with virtually no draw. As Bob noted, the Kanayama is thicker than the NM shell. Both are great, just different.

Cheers chaps! Just put my order in. I ordered one with snake skin handles, this will obviously improve its stropping capabilities!

Originally Posted by markbignosekelly

Cheers chaps! Just put my order in. I ordered one with snake skin handles, this will obviously improve its stropping capabilities!

The snakeskin handles add to the cool factor. A really luxurious piece of equipment ;

As aesthetics go the Cordovan with snake skin handles would be hard to beat.
Simply beautiful.

Neil Miller's Cordovan is the best piece of leather I have ever used .... And most certainly the highest quality workmanship!

One of Neil's Cordovon/Linen strops is next on my hit list. If I don't see the 3" pop back up on his website soon, impatience may get the best of me and I may have to go with the 2.5". But the snakeskin is the soothing balm I will apply to that little sacrifice

Unless I can get the 3" with the snakeskin...<drool>

My new Neil Miller shell cordovan

With its bigger brother

East meets West

Had my strop for a few weeks now and am finding it a joy to use, I feel that it gives me more feedback than the Kanayama which has virtually no draw at all.
The attention to detail is wonderful to look at, I can see now why so many women get excited about handbags!
Not sure where to go with strops now as I think I've reached the pinnacle. Although I might be tempted with a Neil Miller napped cowhide or horsehide to turn mine ito a tri strop!

Gentlemen,

Neil Miller and Kanayama both are luxurious strops, in craftsmanship and results. They are also different. Yes, Kanayama is thicker and has a light and silky draw, whereas Neil's is more magnetic and hugs the blade with a little more draw. Would I chose one over the other? That's a tough one, although I catch myself winking a wee bit more toward the Neil Miller.