Thread: Fiddle sticks.... I can't decide, Roo or Bridle

I'm trying to decide on an SRD strop.... I'm leaning towards the English Bridal strop, but that Roo strop is awfully appealing.

The IV is available in extra long, but I'm thinking I'd prefer the shorter version as all other strops I've used have been in that sort of length. Also, switching leather strop strips would be easier as they are all the same length in the standard version.


Secondary question: Regular or Premium webbed stropping material on the back?

I'm quite happy with my Illinoise 827, but it did take a lot of elbow grease to get it sorted out. In fact, I just (after reading something about it) used my well worn DMT 325 to smooth it out some more. It worked like a treat on both the linen (with it's plastic coating) and on the rough side leather.. making it much much smoother.

I guess I"m just looking for comments and suggestions....


Regards

Kaptain " I knowz whats I knowz, and I cant'z knows no more" Zero

If you have friends or family in the US, I'd get a Tony Miller strop. I love mine. He doesn't ship out of the country any longer. I had mine shipped to my Mom in South Carolina and she brought it up here when she visited. Sometimes it is hit or miss when he stock. But well worth the wait if you get one.

SRD strops are good from what I hear too. I'd go with Bridle IMO. Good solid leather.

http://shop.thewellshavedgentleman.com/main.sc

Can't help you out on your selection of materials but I have the 3" the Natural and it is really well built! I like the fact that it is screwed together so you can change out the materials if you screw it up.
Good luck with your decision.

Well I like a fast strop or low draw and would go with horse. This is where the problem is, we all like what we like, and the only way for you to be certain without ordering all the strops is to try a few out. Meets are the easiest place to do that. Perhaps you could get together with others in your region. I know there are a few razor shops scattered around, so If you wanted to take a we trip to get to one. That is the least sensible option, but if you were going to be visiting in Cow Town or... You could come over to my lace but it is a long way to go, and in the winter...
Ok getting back to serious. There are a lot of nice strops out there, most of them reasonably priced. Try a few if you can.

Why torture yourself, buy them both.

Why torture yourself

Yeah, I know.... Buy one of each and two of everything that looks good!

Yes, it's a personal thing.... I was just looking for some sort of.... I don't know.... something.

One thing not mentioned yet are the linen options..... I'm thinking of going with the default material, mostly seeing I don't think Don and Lynn would select something that wasn't good. But I do wonder about the "Premium fabric", as the cost difference isn't all that much. I don't think I care for felt in a hanging strop.

Of course, having grown up in Norway, those Scrupleworks strops, while expensive, sure do look nice and are not really THAT much more expensive.... I dunno... maybe I really do need to just order a bunch.

As for Tony Miller's strops, I have two already, one a premium latigo and the other is a barber style basic latigo with cotton 'linen'. Very nice strops, but...... I'm still looking, I guess. My very Vintage horse hide strop is too slick for my taste, and the latigos have a bit too much draw.... The Illinois 827 is the closest to what I like, but it's a cheap strop, both in cost and in feel. A nice 3" in similar or perhaps slightly lighter draw should be perfect.

Oh well... back to google!

Regards

Christian

So the coupon from SRP for Black Friday settled the deal for me.

One SRP IV strop ordered. I thought about the extra long version and I *may* regret, but if I don't like the bridle leather, just ordering the roo strip will let me change it. The long version is ONLY available in the bridle leather and I suppose if I fall in love with that particular leather, I might wish I'd bought the longer one... but being able to just order different leathers in the standard length ended up being the selling point that pushed me over the edge. In fact, I tend to use shorter strops anyway.... my 827 is an inch shorter and I don't seem to wish it was longer.... and it's only 2.5" in width, so I'm having to do a slight x stroke as well.

Now comes the really hard part..... waiting.....<sigh>

Regards

Christian

what coupon?
I can't find it

Oops,,, I meant SRD! It was in the newsletter from SRD and I think it was sent out to all subscribers?!?!

Sorry for any mild panic I may have caused. And for the record, it claims it's good until the 29th, so there's time yet.

Regards

Kaptain "What's one tiny wrong letter.... between friends?" Zero