Thread: Strops and Brushes- Aren't they all the same?

If I was a new straight shaver and decided to get a spanish point razor, I'd save a few bucks on the strop and invest heavily in styptic pencils and butterfly bandages. But... I am a slow learner.

The short answer is "no".

The longer answer is that you enjoy the journey, and you continue to use a SR, you will wind up buying several (at least) more brushes, strops AND razors, and your preferences will change/evolve.

All quality strops do the same thing equally well however all strops are not the same. Brushes are a different story. Some perform differently than others. Some better some worse some just differently.

You know it's like taking a trip from point A to B. You can do it in a Yugo or a Chevy or a BMW or a Mercedes Benz or a Rolls Royce. They all get you to where you want to go safely.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

All quality strops do the same thing equally well however all strops are not the same. Brushes are a different story. Some perform differently than others. Some better some worse some just differently.

You know it's like taking a trip from point A to B. You can do it in a Yugo or a Chevy or a BMW or a Mercedes Benz or a Rolls Royce. They all get you to where you want to go safely.

Couldn't have said it better myself excellent analogy

Originally Posted by JTmke

I have a 7/8 Aust Spanish point. It is an amazing shaver. You will enjoy it for many years.

This is what I own. It is amazing.

Strops are definitely NOT all the same,,, some are sliced and diced......

Your money so spend it the way you want.

Then spend more while learning your way to shaving nirvana.

I said this once already.

Buy what you want, learn what you don't know, and have a bunch of stuff you don't like but looks cool!

You're not buying shaving equipment, you're paying for an education.
It's not the smooth face that's cool, it's how we make it happen.
Welcome to the class!

Well if you want to start off with sinking a load of money into this for starters, I agree with the idea of getting one of the SRD sets.

As many have mentioned, strops are all different. Some are a heavy draw (like the SRD Latigo), some are a very fast draw (Bison MAde Horween leather). I'd stay away from any expensive strop to start off with as you will damage it while learning proper technique. You just will. Something with a heavy draw will slow you down a bit and you will more easily hear it when you are doing things right.

As far as brushes, no they are not at all the same. If they were, no one would be buying $200 brushes we'd all own 3 different $10 brushes. They vary from very scrubby to pillowy soft and everything in between.


Good luck on your journey and just take your time. Don't give up after a few poor shaves. It takes time but in the end it's well worth it as there is nothing more satisfying than a clean, smooth "proper" shave. And good heavens stay away from anything with a spiky toe (tip) for a while. Nicely rounded will help you make a successful transition.

Originally Posted by wingdo

Well if you want to start off with sinking a load of money into this for starters, I agree with the idea of getting one of the SRD sets.

As many have mentioned, strops are all different. Some are a heavy draw (like the SRD Latigo), some are a very fast draw (Bison MAde Horween leather). I'd stay away from any expensive strop to start off with as you will damage it while learning proper technique. You just will. Something with a heavy draw will slow you down a bit and you will more easily hear it when you are doing things right.

As far as brushes, no they are not at all the same. If they were, no one would be buying $200 brushes we'd all own 3 different $10 brushes. They vary from very scrubby to pillowy soft and everything in between.


Good luck on your journey and just take your time. Don't give up after a few poor shaves. It takes time but in the end it's well worth it as there is nothing more satisfying than a clean, smooth "proper" shave. And good heavens stay away from anything with a spiky toe (tip) for a while. Nicely rounded will help you make a successful transition.

Doug, I looked into the Bison Made Horween strop after we discussed it last night... Interesting piece. I'm not a fan of handles and it doesn't look like they make barbers ends, and I love my scrupleworks, but I am always interested in seeing what else is available.