Thread: where to buy a strop?

hi folks,

i need a strop to make a gift for somebody. i was looking on web for leathers tanned vegetable ti make one by myself but i afraid if they are too slippy as usual. then i look for a strop but i can't be sure how to know if they are good quality. do you have any advices to find one or leather referance to make one?

Any good quality oil tanned leather should be all you need. Make sure that there are no imperfections in the area you plan to turn into the strop so that there's nothing to damage the razors edge. As far as where to get it not sure in your area.

Now if you want a good strop that depends on the person you're buying it for if they're skilled at using a strop an damaging it isn't an issue than I would go with a kanayama,but if you're worried that they may tear it up just get on eBay or any other website that you would prefer an pick up any number of the Illinois company strops, they're not to expensive so if messes up it's not a big deal an once they've learned they can get one of the higher quality strops.

Originally Posted by KsStraightShaver

Any good quality oil tanned leather should be all you need.

Oil Tanned leather is not what you would ask for at a leather supply store. You want either Vegetable Tanned leather, Cow or horse, bridle, or Latigo leather. Free from as many imperfections as possible. Try to avoid the belly leather.

Springfield Leather is a good supply. They have all the Tandy stuff, and will cut leathers for you.

I apologize for that I can't believe that I wrote that,Drygulch is correct veg tanned leather is what you want.

Westholme in UK. High quality. Sadly Neil Miller is no longer with us.

I note you are in Paris. In the Netherlands, Japanesenaturalstones, stock the higher end Kanayama strops. If you want to buy a strop as opposed to making one, then being in your part of the world they might help at Jns.

If you are in France, for medium-priced products, I would search for "cuir a rasoir Herold" on amazon.fr.
Herold strops are made in Germany, have been around for a long time, and are reasonably priced, yet work quite well.

You could also search on "giftsandcare.com" for "strops". They carry not only Herold, but also French Thiers Issard strops.
I have ordered from them before, their pricing is attractive and shipping from Spain is quick and easy.


Good luck.


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Always keep your eyes open for vintage strops in antique stores & flea markets. Even at garage sales I found a real nice Shell horsehide strop.Vintage shell horsehide is better than the new as the leather came from work horses that were being replaced with tractors & the shell was thicker & better for strop making.
As far as treating & maintaining a strop I recommend a product called Ballistol. Many gun shops sell it & you can get it from Ballistol.com. It is from Germany so you should be able to get it in your area. Mixed with water it makes a great replacement for just straight water to use while honing your razor.

Slawman