Thread: Getting a Strop Handmade What Kind of leather

Originally Posted by puma

So I have a question. I am currently living inTurkey and there are multiple leather shops here that will basically make anything you want for pretty affordable prices. I am new to straight razor shaving and stropping but wanted to see about getting a strop handmade while I am here. What should I be looking for in a strop? Is 3" better? Should it be soft or harder leather? Thanks.

The 3" Strop is ideal for a beginner because it is wide enough to allow you to go back and forth rather than learn the more difficult X pattern.

I like all hides, but for a beginner it's easier to strop on a smooth surface. The coarse ones with a heavy draw are more likely to hang up and cut the material in my experience. You probably can't get kangaroo strops in Turkey, but they are the lightest and smoothest surface I've used.