So many choices....

[arbeaner]

Gentlemen,

As I am researching Strops I find there are a lot of choices. For a newbie should I invest in a good strop or buy one the lesser ones due to potential of tearing it up? Any advise would be helpful.

Cheers!

Brandon

[Pringr]

Seek the middle path... (like 35-40 bucks..)

[Leatherstockiings]

My suggestion would be to buy a strop where you can switch out the leather, like the SRD strops.

[thebigspendur]

I'd buy a lower end strop but still a quality one. There is a lot of junk out there at bargain prices.

[RezDog]

I too recommend a mid line strop with a replaceable leather. Some of the companies offer replacements for a reasonable price, and those are the one I would be more inclined to recommend. There are several brands that have those available. The magnetic paddle strops are very attractive for versatility and replacement components as well.

[Haroldg48]

I said this in another thread some time ago, but ne of the mistakes I wouldn't make if I were a beginner again is buying a low end strop as a "bargain". SRD 3" strops are a real bargain once you realize you can replace the leather or fabric for minimal money when/if you either ruin it OR want to try something different. Same goes for their modular paddle strop.

That's my opinion and once the mailman comes today I'll have two of their 3" strops and the modular paddle strop.

[Hirlau]

Buy what you can afford & be careful,,,,

[KarloT]

I'm also new to straights and my only strop is a SRD modular paddle. It has several scars from my learning pains,, but I bought a new leather pad for it for not much money. A hanging strop might save you a few bucks but the paddle makes it easy to tell if the blade is truly flat on the hide or not.

[eddy79]

This is a personal choice kind of deal. Some go good quality like srd with replacement pieces, some go decent with replacement pieces like star shaving big daddy, some go good but cheap like Illinois razor co but no replacements and so go serviceable and cheap like whipped dog. In the end you need to do the research and decide whats right for you and your pocket and goals. Good luck.