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Thread: Harold or Illinois

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    Default Harold or Illinois

    Well I might be buying a new strop. Any feedback on the Harold Solingen vs Illinois/Fromm strops?
    Thanks

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    Razor Vulture sharptonn's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Clayglen View Post
    Well I might be buying a new strop. Any feedback on the Harold Solingen vs Illinois/Fromm strops?
    Thanks
    I have seen some Illinois strops which seem practically useless. Rough leather and hard fabric. I have no idea?

    The Herold is same as a Dovo and a Jemico. Very good strops, IMO. The draw and effectiveness are top-notch. The fabric is great as well.
    I have owned all three and would again. JMO
    rolodave likes this.
    "Don't be stubborn. You are missing out."
    I rest my case.

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    illegitimum non carborundum Utopian's Avatar
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    I have not owned or used either brand, but I can tell you that I have seen edges of razors maintained only on Illinois strops and clearly they are doing something right at least some of the time.

    Our newly returned member pfries was one example if I am remembering correctly. He had a razor at the Asheville meetup that he had been using as a daily shaver for 8 or 9 months and he wondered if it needed a touchup. I looked at it under the scope and that edge was pristine and he had only maintained it on an Illinois strop. It made me want to try one but I already have too many strops.
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  4. #4
    Silky Smooth
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    My only strop is an Illinois 361. I've maintained my almost daily-use razor on it for over six years. Not fancy but sure 'nuff gets the job done.
    de gustibus non est disputandum



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    Senior Member blabbermouth eddy79's Avatar
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    The Illinois 827 is quite popular mainly because Glen uses them. I have one and it works well.
    My wife calls me......... Can you just use Ed

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    Senior Member feltspanky's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by eddy79 View Post
    The Illinois 827 is quite popular mainly because Glen uses them. I have one and it works well.
    Plus one for the Illinois strop.

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    Razor Vulture sharptonn's Avatar
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    I have heard some love the Illinois. The one I have is quite rough on the leather side. Rough, bumpy grain. It says Imperial Russia, #827.
    Perhaps the older ones were smoother?
    "Don't be stubborn. You are missing out."
    I rest my case.

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    Senior Member blabbermouth eddy79's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by sharptonn View Post
    I have heard some love the Illinois. The one I have is quite rough on the leather side. Rough, bumpy grain. It says Imperial Russia, #827.
    Perhaps the older ones were smoother?
    That is how mine is and seems to be how they come. Was a bit dubious at first to use it but after researching and finding that it it just how they are used it. Never been a problem and has smoothed out with use although quite stiff still. I think it has to do with the tanning but am not sure.
    My wife calls me......... Can you just use Ed

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    Senior Member Steve56's Avatar
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    If both are curremt production, the Herrold. I don't have one, but I do have a current Illinois and it's only used for knives.

    Cheers, Steve

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