Thread: SZCO Strop?

Hi I am getting my first strop and was considering a Fromm ( http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B001...A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB ) that is the one in question but I came across the other one from SZCO Supplies, not too sure about them but this strop has a canvas side in addition to the leather. http://www.amazon.ca/SZCO-Supplies-1...A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB

So my question is if anyone knows about SZCO and if I should trust it or go with the Fromm which doesn't have a canvas side. Also is the canvas side necessary?

Hope you can help!

Thanks

Hey there. I don't have personal experience with either, but geez $12 for the SZCO, seems like you could barely ship it for that. Price doesn't always reflect quality, and some things can surprise you, but that cheap my gut would say it could have issues? However you could always return it through Amazon. Strops don't have to be fancy, but you want to know that you're getting a nice consistent piece of leather. I bought some leather at one time thinking I'd make one, but it had a bunch of discontinuities that made it really unusable.
Have you looked at Straight Razor Designs? I think they go as low as $49 for a Latigo, and great customer service obviously.

I had one similar to the Fromm strop you linked, it had a synthetic fabric side.

While Ive never heard of SCZO it resembles by the photograph like the Prima Rindleder strops that are always re branded with different badges. Dovo, Col. Ichabod, etc.
I think it will work just fine. Other then the hardware being a bit flimsy looking.
While the posters previously steer you to premium leathers. That's great and all, but for someone who is brand spanking new at this and is not sure if this is a passion that's gonna be a keeper, then why not start off with an economy kit?
I still own my first Dove Russian (cheap strop) well over 7 years now and it still strops properly.
J.M.H.O.

Originally Posted by freddyjabster

Hi I am getting my first strop and was considering a Fromm ( Fromm Razor Strop 2 1/2-Inch X 23-Inch: Amazon.ca: Health & Personal Care ) that is the one in question but I came across the other one from SZCO Supplies, not too sure about them but this strop has a canvas side in addition to the leather. http://www.amazon.ca/SZCO-Supplies-1...A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB

So my question is if anyone knows about SZCO and if I should trust it or go with the Fromm which doesn't have a canvas side. Also is the canvas side necessary?

Hope you can help!

Thanks

I don't use fabric strops, but a lot of folks do, in fact probably the vast majority. I have 2 strops both of which are leather only.

Originally Posted by Tarkus

While Ive never heard of SCZO it resembles by the photograph like the Prima Rindleder strops that are always re branded with different badges. Dovo, Col. Ichabod, etc.
I think it will work just fine. Other then the hardware being a bit flimsy looking.
While the posters previously steer you to premium leathers. That's great and all, but for someone who is brand spanking new at this and is not sure if this is a passion that's gonna be a keeper, then why not start off with an economy kit?
I still own my first Dove Russian (cheap strop) well over 7 years now and it still strops properly.
J.M.H.O.

Yes I was kinda thinking that it looked like the Prima Rindleder type but couldn't tell. You're right, if it is, those seem to work just fine.
Maybe I'm just jealous cause I didnt pay $12 for mine . Haha

It does not get good reviews, if you search Szco Supplies leather strop.

I have the Dovo Travel strop, that the photo looks like and that is a very nice, well-made strop. One of the reviews stated it did not look like the one in the photo. So I do not think it is the same strop. It is also pretty small for daily stropping. The length is overall length.

Almost every review says “You get what you pay for” or words similar.

Spend a few dollars more and buy a good strop. Stropping is the finale finish to your edge before it touches your face, not where you want to skimp to save a few bucks.

Spend a few more dollars an you will be much happier in the long run. I much prefer honing on a 2.5 inch strop instead of my 3". Check out the strop offering from Straight Razor Designs. Their strops offer a very good bang for the buck.

Not going on a rant, or maybe I am.
50 dollars, 65 dollars for a new guy to buy a first time strop. I.M.O. is ill advised. Why does it always end up where it always comes down to spending more bloody dough on kit? It doesn't have to be that way.
Is it good to buy top quality gear? Yes sure, but as a first time out purchaser, who probably never put steel to leather in his life before sounds like pissing money down the drain.
Lets say get that inexpensive strop try this new hobby of yours and see if everything clicks. Then in a about 6 to 12 months if your still hooked on straights then think about up grades.
Money is too hard to come by these days.

freddjapster welcome to the forum. Perhaps you could introduce yourself properly when you have time.
For your purposes I think either strop you mentioned would be useful. If you are new to stropping you will probably damage the strop at some point in any event. Save your $ for a more expensive strop if you stick with straight shaving and have learned to strop fairly well.
Good luck.