Thread: Neil Miller, chromexel or bridle

I never had any problems with a light draw when I first started and don't think it makes a huge difference what draw you use, more personal preference in the feel.

If your hands are dry, rubbing them together vigorously (oo er!) before can help bring the oils in your skin out.

I started out with a roo strop which has really light draw, I had no dramas with it at all. In some ways.i think it would be better. There is less.resistance so you need to put less effort in to pushing the razor so you are likely to use less pressure. That's just my thoughts though I do now have a heavier draw.strop too and found it to be the case particularly when I first got the second one.

Thanks for the advice. Now I'm back to indecision again. Ooh hate decisions like this. Two great sounding products and know would like them both. Thankfully can't afford them both or SAD would already be in full effect.

I like a lighter draw myself. Neil's horsehide strop is hard to beat in terms of quality and beauty, not to mention utility.

Maybe I'm the crazy one but I like my heavier draw SRD Latigo strop best over English Bridle, Illinois 127, 827 models. I use them all and get the same result a well prepared edge for shaving. The difference for me is how much I enjoy the stropping experience. I enjoy the feel of strop very much I have it well broken in and don't feel I have to muscle through the strop at all, the razors contact is very noticeable and seems to give good feedback for my tastes. Does it work better? No. Do any work better than any other I cant say. They all make the razor shave well. What i'm trying to say both of those strops chromexel or bridle will do the job. I dont think you can lose. Both very aesthetic and high quality. Whats good for you has less to do with whats good for the razor imo.

Originally Posted by edhewitt

I started out with a roo strop which has really light draw, I had no dramas with it at all. In some ways.i think it would be better. There is less.resistance so you need to put less effort in to pushing the razor so you are likely to use less pressure. That's just my thoughts though I do now have a heavier draw.strop too and found it to be the case particularly when I first got the second one.

+1 to Ed's comments. Startedwith roo as well and have found the same results

Rest assured Neil has a variety of Bridle, from heavily-oiled natural all the way to the super red and some in between. Many other leathers as well, with their own characteristics.
I appreciate his coming in and explaining some things about leathers and draw, effectiveness. Certainly his tips on maintenance and characteristics is useful. His strops are very customizable with many different leathers available.
Of course he does not ring his own bell. No need to, IMO. Just good strops, FME.

Could not decide so a coin did it for me. Chromexcel has been ordered.
Cheers everyone for chiming in.
Will give an inexperienced review when I receive it.
Really looking forward to it.

Good choice sir! Intrigued by Chromexcel, add to that that its Horween leather and Neil Miller designed and hand made makes for a very desirable strop.

I like it light. The blade just glides over the strop with the greatest of ease. I mainly use my heavy draw strops after honing cause the draw will increase on those once properly honed.