Thread: Strop Choices

There are so many choices out there it's mind boggling.

Now I have a quality strop from the Premier Strop Company so it's not that I need a good one. But what are the differences?
I see threads about the Kanayama and many other higher priced strops, now there has to be a reason there are so many.
Do you get a better edge with these higher priced and I assume quality strops? I'm sure the craftsmanship is above your lower to midrange strops, but are they seriously worth the extra $$$$

I have 6 strops I rotate, most higher end. I do enjoy the real linen second pieces I have but better edge? About the same as my first SRD English bridle.

Strops are about like everything else. I must have fifty soaps that all lather equally well, a dozen brushes that all do a fine job, and the majority of my razors provide me with a great shave. All of my strops, from the least expensive to the most expensive, work equally well. However, each has a different draw and subtle characteristics that make using them a joy. It just wouldn't be as much fun to use only one soap, brush, razor and strop.

I have to say that most of the strops I have bought, I did so because of the second material. So I have had for seconds material seude, flax linen, cotton, hemp, felt. I have or have had several very nice strops. My nephews have gotten a couple, my son one and I sold one at a meet. I still have a few hanging and a few on the shopping list. From my strop shuffle I have found a few things that I like. I like the hemp second. I like horse for the leather. It has less draw and less auditory feedback. At this point I have to say my favourite is not an expensive strop at all. I do have one very pricey strop, and don't get me wrong, I like it, but not more than the one made by DryGulch.

I like the old proverb "variety is the spice of life". I had 3 strops (2 homemade and 1 IRSCo #827), but recently
gave 1 of the homemade strops to a friend for their son. As a novice to stropping, I use the homemade strop
exclusively. When I'm sure about my technique, I'll break out the #827.

To some extent I would say one horsehide, or latigo (fill in the blank) strop is the same as the other. OTOH, the quality of the hides, the special treatments that some strop makers use, and the workmanship, all contribute to the final product. I don't think you need to spend $300 USD for a decent strop, but below a certain point they are not as good as the better ones. IME.

Dieseld,

Any strop, within reason, will do the job. What you like and what works best for you is what's important. I have experienced a variety of strops through the years, liked some, and some not. I prefer a strop with a light draw, 2.5 inches wide, and no handle. I've also had the Kanayama (Kanoyama) 60000, 70000 and 80000, but they're gone. Now I have only the 30000, but rarely use it. The one strop I have come truly love is the Mastro Livi loom strop. It does wonders for my razors. These days it's the only one I use.

type of leather. secondary strop. draw etc are all personal preference. i now have strops in all shapes, sizes and costs. and to be quite honest, as long as your stropping technique is good you can get equally good results off of any.

Thanks so much for all the replies and input, I kind of figured there would be minor differences in draw.
But it seems to come down to personal preference and budget. And sometimes style and secondary material.

This is what I was thinking, but figured getting opinions from much more experienced shavers would be best.

Thanks again everyone

Dieseld,,,See You On Monday I,m Sure I Can Find An Extra One Hangin Around Somewere!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Ha!!!!!!!!!!!!!Ty,,,,, While I,m At It See If I Can Find An Extra Set Of Nortons That U Could Use!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Ty