Thread: Strop Question?

Originally Posted by cosperryan

I don't get it. strops are used for function, women are people. If your using something for function you don't want it to have imperfections that diminish the function-ability, like say a raised bump or covered in wrinkles like most of the cheapy strops on the bay, however it is possible that you can get one of those with out issues just like you can get a gold dollar razor off of the bay that has no issues, its just a gamble. Of course you could just buy a nice strop from a reputable dealer and your out worry free. I am assuming the OP asked this question due to budgetary concerns. I am not going to tell someone they need to buy a Ferrari when all they need or might be able to afford is a nice toyota.

Lighten up mate, it was meant to be (slightly) amusing to the less constrained/pernickity among us.

I do admit that just like strops, humour is a personal thing - one type can't please all, so I don't bother trying to please all.

Of course you don't need to spend a fortune, but like you ferrari analogy, why spell out the blindingly obvious...

Regards,
Neil

In the culinary world there is a saying: "The sharper your knife, the less you cry"
They are not talking about cutting yourself, its about cutting onions and how the sharp knife cuts, the dull knife crushes...

When you start out using a Straight Razor, and stropping (and cutting, nicking, gashing your strop) it might be: "The cheaper your strop, the less you cry"

But when you get past that it changes to: "The better your strop, the more you smile"

Master the skill, then buy the best tool you can afford. (note I did not say: "Most expensive") You will use it every shave with every razor and it is the first and most important tool & skill in edge maintenance.

And it is all about the edge...

Smooth Shaving...

Originally Posted by Neil Miller

Just like other things in life, what we see here fulfills the old adage of of 'different strokes for different folks'. Just suppose (don't get all hysterical on me now) that we are talking about women and especially being a teen and talking about women. My argument with an anonymous pal could very well be somewhat similar to the above:

pal: "women are women, so in my experience any woman will do"
me "have to disagree with you there"
pal 'there is nothing wrong as long as she doesn't have wrinkles, bumps or other imperfections"
me " its truly amazing how you manage to be ageist, sexist and elitist all in the same sentence"
pal "was Carolyn prettier...yes. Do I care about that...no"
me "damn - Carolyn is definitely pretty, very pretty! Do I care about that - hell, yes! Oh dear, I seem to have fallen into your elitist, sexist trap..."

All I'm saying is we all have our own points of view, so who cares what anyone else thinks about what appeals to one of us - each persons choice is just that - his choice.

Regards,
Neil

haha Neil this is great!

Originally Posted by Haroldg48

All I can say, which applies to most things shaving related, is that I wish I had been a little less "penny wise and pound foolish" as my grandmother used to say.

A cheap strop will work BUT when you slice it beyond use another cheap strop will cost you more than a new piece of leather for a quality strop. I know; I've gone that route. As a result I have a $40 strop I don't like, a $30 strop I can't use because it's too messed up (by me early on), and a SRD modular paddle strop that I have all kinds of surfaces for that costs about $85. A new leather or felt costs about $10....Same thing goes for the SRD premium and many other quality strops...leather and fabric pieces are replaceable.

On brand name shave ready razors for a beginner I'm a believer that steel, well ground, is steel, and the expensive ones are just fancier (until you get really high end).

But on strops in particular, cheap in the short run isn't necessarily where you want to go.

This gent gives you the same advise I was given about 4 years ago when I started. Sure I can get good results with a cheaper strop. However, with something like the SRD strop you can easily replace the leather if you cut it up.

Needless to say, I've happily been using my 3" SRD Latigo for 4 years and have been completely satisfied. I may treat myself to a higher priced strop in a few years, but it'll only be from want more than need.

As mentioned, I'd go with what you can comfortably afford.

My first -- and only -- strop is a $40 Illinois #127 leather. I got it anticipating that I would nick it while learning to strop, and later get an upgrade. After 2 years, I still use it and haven't bought another one. The nicks were minor and later repaired. Over time, I've conditioned it through hand-rubbing, but later cleaned it with shave soap to get its original drag. It's taken a lickin' and is still tickin'.

A good strop is important ...

Ken Rup Razor San Antonio Texas
The Filly Premium basic Strop...

$22.00 delivered to your door.
9oz leather and Ken Rup works each one until broke in .


Mine is 2 1/2" wide and about 24" long. And yes I've nicked it a few times.

https://ruprazor.com/store/index.php...mart&Itemid=32

Plus One on the SRD strop. It's made to be replaceable. I would not recommend purchasing a high dollar strop if your new to SR shaving.

Originally Posted by Haroldg48

A cheap strop will work BUT when you slice it beyond use another cheap strop will cost you more than a new piece of leather for a quality strop.

With all the info available on SRP & the net in general, there's no excuse for a new user to destroy a strop.
I'm in the buy the best you can afford camp.

Originally Posted by onimaru55

With all the info available on SRP & the net in general, there's no excuse for a new user to destroy a strop.
I'm in the buy the best you can afford camp.

What he said,read, watch the numerous vids,destroying a strop is almost impossible IMO

Oz,

I am with you on buying the best strop one can afford.

This whole idea of starting traditional shaving with the straight razor on the cheap baffles me. I don't know who started it. No matter how you look at it, you have some start-up expenditure — in any field. Cheap strop, cheap bush, cheap soap and cheap razor are not the answer, for they only translate into "cheap" shaving experience.

No one says the newbie should start with a Kanayama strop, but that does not mean a $15 piece of junk is a bargain — for fear that you might cut a better quality strop. What if you don't cut it? Do your research, get a quality strop and stop freaking out over the thought of cutting the thing. Slow down your stropping and pay attention.