Thread: Replacing a lost strop, little overwhelmed with the options out there.

Good morning friends,

Quite a long time ago, I left behind my strop in a hotel room. I procrastinated replacing it for a few years and went back to DE shaving. Anyway it was an Illinois Imp Russian 827 I think. I would like to get a nicer strop this time around. The Il 827 I had is the only strop I've ever held in my hand. It seemed like the leather was too tough. But I know nothing. I think i want a more supple strop this time around. I've been pouring over the forums for a couple hours now and am overwhelmed. All of the "help me pick my first strop" posts mention the Illinois 827. And everywhere else suggests SRD strops. But a lot of these posts are dated from a few years ago. In fact I remember reading some of them years ago when I was still deciding on my first strop. There are a LOT of SRD strops that all look great. So I've overwhelmed here.

Are there any kind gentlemen that have owned an Il 827 (or similar) that can suggest a 2 1/2" or preferably a 3" strop that would be a step up from the 827? I was hoping to stay in the 60-80 range. And definitely want to stay under 100.
I've noticed quite a few on SRD but would really appreciate a solid suggestion. And thank you for taking the time to read my post.

C. S. Budzi

Hi and welcome back to SRPI haven't tried any of the strops mentioned, but I do have a lot of strops from shell, cordovan, bridal, latigo, horsehide and cowhide. To be honest I really cant tell the end results in the shave. What is different is the draw, I prefer a lighter draw like shell, in fact I actually like all types of draw. It really does just come down to personal preference. I feel it's imperative to use an x stroke whilst stropping so getting a 2.5" strop would benefit you if you've gotten out of the habit.If you decide to do with SRD pick any strop within your budget and you wont go wrong. Good luckMark

As a person that is kind of new to stropping I think a strop with replacement leather is an important option. There is a higher risk of strop damage for new people, so just check on that while you are shopping. I think Mr. Kelly has hit on everything else quite nicely. There are a few brick and mortar shops, if you can get to one of those and touch and feel everything it may help you decide.

From reading your post it sounds like you really didn't care for the draw on the Illinois 827. With that in mind if you stay away from Latigo strops pretty much any other strop you get is going to have a lighter draw.

In my experience English bridal and natural leather both have a med draw and from what I have heard roo and shell have a really light draw

Any of the SRD strops will be heavier and thicker then your Illinois was.

Another option is to get the SRD modular strop with a couple different leathers use them for awhile and then if you still want a hanging strop get the one you like best and still have the paddle for travel.

Originally Posted by markbignosekelly

Hi and welcome back to SRPI haven't tried any of the strops mentioned, but I do have a lot of strops from shell, cordovan, bridal, latigo, horsehide and cowhide. To be honest I really cant tell the end results in the shave. What is different is the draw, I prefer a lighter draw like shell, in fact I actually like all types of draw. It really does just come down to personal preference. I feel it's imperative to use an x stroke whilst stropping so getting a 2.5" strop would benefit you if you've gotten out of the habit.If you decide to do with SRD pick any strop within your budget and you wont go wrong. Good luckMark

I think what you're saying is really important, that all of the strop materials give the same result and the feel often determines your favorite.

I have, among others, the SRD Modular strop and an SRD 3" strop with Kangaroo which I love, and another 3" that I put SRD basic leather on. They're different, but work the same. I use them all, sometimes in sequence because I've become a "serial" stropper, which is NOT illegal!

Welcome back I have an Illinois razor Co 827 and a couple srd strops, vintage shell strops, a kanayama and a roo as well. The 827 is quite stiff and does have a heavier draw than most strops. Any of the medium to light draw srd strops would likely suit. Roo is very thin and almost the complete opposite to the 827 flexibility wise and a light draw and one of my favorite strops(is home made so dont know how it compares to srd strop though have only heard good of the srd roo). Good luck with your new strop.

If you risk to slice a strop, then you should probably stay cheap for now. After this, a lot of it is about draw and personal preference. I have tried bridle, horse-shell, and oil-tanned and prefer a light horse-shell draw. That said, I think an oil-tanned strop is a nice intermediary between bridle's heavier draw and horse-shell's slickness. The sensation of oil-tanned is sort of like velvet suction.

While not exactly oil-tanned, this one has a nice, intermediate suction feel for the price: CUIR A RASOIR AIGLE EXTRA LARGE / LIN.

Tony Miller 2 1/2" Plain Vanilla
2" Artisan Horsehide Travel / Basics Strop

Link says 2" Artisan Horsehide. Disregard, it will send you to the 2 1/2". I just received this strop in the mail this evening, and cannot say enough good things about it. Nice smooth leather, very well made.
If you can hang on until his higher grade strops are available, I'd be willing to bet you would not be disappointed with them, either. They are supposed to be a step up from these. Hard for me to imagine that, given the quality of these, but I can tell you that if I ever want to "step up" myself, Tony will definitely be at the top of my list.

From your description I would also recommend the SRD kangaroo strop.
Thin, soft andsupple and just a wonderful performer all around.