Thread: Strop Choices

I like the "wrong side of the tracks" vibe of a cheap Ebay hanging strop ($20) or a cheap Ebay paddle strop ($10).

The shave is the same.

It has nothing to do with the wrong side of the tracks. As long as the strop is a well finished piece of smooth leather with no blemishes the razor feels as it travels the strop the result is the same.

Of course we all spend our money as we like so many appreciate the quality that goes into a higher end strop the same as one guy enjoys driving a Yugo and another drives a BMW. They both get you where you want to go.

I appreciate all the input in this thread.
I used it yesterday morning, and to me it seems faster than the Latigo strop I use. But very nice and smooth for sure.
Here's a pic of the new strop

I recently picked up a buffalo strop from SRD, and stumbled across this thread so I figured I'd ask - how's the strop treating you? So far I've only used mine for one razor, and I've found that the draw is almost non existent. Which is the opposite of what I expected. Has the draw changed for you any over the past month?

I'm seriously considering obtaining a beer bottle and some 600 grit for the same break in I used with my Fromm strop (Soap strop, work with bottle, resoap, let sit, soap strop, sand, wash strop, work with glass for a few minutes, light oil coat, let dry). But if the draw will increase naturally over the course of a few weeks then perhaps I might be better off doing the same thing I've been doing with the secondary - stropping with it just to get some wear on it, and using my old Fromm strop for actual shaving.

Marshal, over the last month it has become broke in nicely. And yes the draw has remained very light, and I've used it on about 10 different razors in the month I've had it. And almost everyday.
The only thing I have done is hand rub it before each use, just a habit I have. I like the strop to be warm, after warming the metal of the razor up on the web side I feel that a warm strop works better for me.
I have thought about putting a conditioner on it, but have chose not too.

Hope you enjoy yours as much as I am enjoying mine

Marshal I would only use my hand to rub on that New strop. Using a grit will result in scratching the edge of your blade. If you are looking to temporarily increase draw slightly mist it with water. The leather might need to be hydrated due to the dryness of your climate in winter. See if that helps your draw.

How much stropping have you done? In my opinion if your just getting started i would Recommend a cheap strop to practice with, Then let the RAD begin, Good Luck, Any other ?,s Feel free to ask,, Ty

Yeah I agree with Addison, as a beginner you WILL nick and possibly cut your strop. We all have done it. So a lower priced one would be a good starter

Yep!
I sliced and diced my first one badly. Kept sanding of the worst of the cuts until I got better. Then I went all out and bought the kanayama. I do still have a third strop that I use when traveling. Cheep but works just fine. My first got put in the trash. I was ashamed to have anyone see it. ha.

i figure as with anything you buy its always more about quality than price. but with quality does come a higher price tag with anything in life. just wondering where to set the bar was all