Thread: Two thumbs up for SRD strops

When I first started out shaving with a straight I did not want to spend a lot of money on equipment not knowing if it would become a permanent practice for me. So when it came to buying a strop I bought a cheap one from amazon, think it was even called a starter or practice strop. Think I only paid about $15 for it. This strop worked well for me and served its purpose. After about six months using this strop with no damage done to it I felt like it was time for me to graduate to a better quality strop. So, after some research and recommendations from the members of this forum I decided to bite the bullet and get a premium IV English bridal strop from SRD. After the first use all I could do is say WOW! The quality was definitely noticed. The feel of my razor on this strop was amazing. Now, this is in no way a knock against the cheap strop I started with as I cannot say that with my stopping skills that the strop made a difference in the finished product. As noted the cheap strop served its purpose as I was not afraid of damaging it and it gave me time to build my confidence to spend money on a more expensive strop without being worried about destroying it. I would advise anyone starting out shaving with straights to do the same and begin with a cheap strop. Then, once you are confident in your skills to spend the money on a higher quality strop you will be able to enjoy the quality without the worry.

I agree. I did the same as you did. Cut up the strop, dulled a razor, but learned here how to bring back the sharp edge. Then I bought an SRD 2" latigo and it's working just fine since 2012, when I bought it.

I believe that it is not a matter of cheap or expensive strop but of appropriate or inappropriate quality of leather for stropping.
I have found some cheap strops with leather hard as plastic that I consider inappropriate for stropping as I noticed that they are more likely to damage the edge instead of curing it.
I have also made myself a couple of handmade strops that cost me less than 10 euros and they perform better than my SRD strop.

I believe that the quality of the leather is very important for the strop.
I only use leather for stropping, no other materials.

They're nice strops, I have the 3" black Latigo, as well as the red Latigo. My only complaint with mine is the linen side curled on both of them probably due to the width, but there's ways to flatten them, and SRD also sells replacement linen/leather that are easy to change. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe these are made by the Amish?

I also like the 3" SRD strops. My first was a Red Latigo and I just ordered a English Bridle replacement for my SRD Paddle (needed a little more on my order to get free shipping) to see how I like the English Bridle as I am considering ordering a 3" English Bridle but want to test the leather first. I also like their premium fabric instead of the webbing and have not had an issue with that curling. Whoever makes them, they are nice.

Got the modular strop and really like the English Bridle.

Originally Posted by DustySuds

I decided to bite the bullet and get a premium IV English bridal strop from SRD.

FYI, it is an English bridle strop.

A bridal strop would be an entirely different toy!

Just ordered the SRD 3" The Natural last week and it arrived in 3 days! Awesome service and they threw in a handful of soap, balm and AS samples!
For the price it is an awesome strop, well built, quality materials and love the fact that you can easily order and replace components. Should be able to hand it down to my grandkids! Lol!
Thanks SRD

Gentlemen,
Yes, the SRD strops are quite good. Currently I have the 3" English Bridle. It's a good strop. In a few months it will really start blossoming. Good stuff.

I agree! I now have three- the natural, English bridle, and the modular paddle. The build quality is great and the prices and service were spot on.