I am considering buying a strop and wanted to get the opinion of our members on which they prefer, the SRD strops or Kanayama? I like the SRD because it is 3".
Printable View
I am considering buying a strop and wanted to get the opinion of our members on which they prefer, the SRD strops or Kanayama? I like the SRD because it is 3".
Thought you were happy with your Livi loom?Quote:
Originally Posted by jkatzman
Are you considering an SRD modular strop? It's on my list of potential new strops (as is the Livi).
SRD makes a line of different strops and they are all top notch and do the exact same thing as any other quality strop. The kanayama is in a class by itself as is the Livi Loom strop. They just feel different so it's a matter of the feel you prefer. If you prefer buttery softness you will love the Kanayama.
Der "Old Traditional" - Streichriemen comes to mind as an alternative to the Kanayama strops. Also Skrupleworks strops. Both are cheaper, and at least as well made. The Skrupleworks linen is unsurpassed.
Also Straight Razor Magazine: Review: Straight Razor Designs - The full strop line is worth taking a look at. The SRD strops are more, well, crude (for lack of a better term). But they are significantly cheaper, and the leather strips can easily be replaced should you nick one.
My personal opinion: Forget the hype, go for an SRD strop if you want value for money. If you want something fancy, get a TDS or Skrupleworks strop. Kanayama strops are, in my opinion, totally overrated.
What's your take on Loom strops....the Livi's, SRD, etc.....Quote:
Originally Posted by RobinK
Call me bland, but I like my kit efficient, and effective. I use my SRD Lynn Abrams modular paddle a lot for Lather Catcher blades. Other than that, I do not find paddle or loom strops functional. I have an SRD strop in my bathroom, and that is that. In case you are wondering, it is the English bridle leather extra long version with a Scrupleworks linen strip. And that combination will follow me to the grave. It is affordable, nice looking - and effective.Quote:
Originally Posted by Phrank
I really like the Mastro Livi loom strop but just feel I'd like to give the traditional strop a chance to get the old juices flowing again.
Thanks for the links by the way....Quote:
Originally Posted by RobinK
I'm looking at the Scrupleworks strops, I have a Kanayama 6, what do you think....Swedish Bridal or Oil tanned...his craftsmanship seems spectacular.
I think that if you have one strop that works for you, that should be the end of it. Other than that, Scrupleworks strops are simply beautiful, yet affordable. Personally, I would go for the Swedish bridle.Quote:
Originally Posted by Phrank
Just to throw on the pile, I'm in league with this. I keep my old Illinois strop because I like the heavy draw of the well worn in bull hide, but I can't bring myself to set the SRD aside and put it to use. I like SRD's linen, and I'm loving the buffalo hide. It doesn't really do anything different to the blade than the less pricey Illinois strop, but it feels nicer to work with. They're just hard to beat, especially for the price.Quote:
Originally Posted by thebigspendur
I've been thinking, just pondering really about the loom strop....I have a Tony Miller, SRD Roo Strop (which is spectacular), and the Kanayama.....so my SSAD is raging, never tried a loom strop.
There is a itch, it must be scratched....was checking out those Scrupleworks strops though, some exceptionally nice work.
I have the SRD modular and Mastro Livi loom strop and if you are on a limited budget, the SRD modular offers some very easy interchangeable options. If you want the Rolls Royce, then the Livi with its skin on one side and chromium oxide on linen on the other side is the way to go. You will not believe the feel and results from the skin side of the loom. For refreshing, the linen needs maybe 5-10 laps, then the skin and you will have an amazing shave. Check out Mastro Livi's web site and his videos.
....................:rofl2:Quote:
Originally Posted by jkatzman
That's the problem...I have been!!! :D
Just ordered the SRD Luxury IV strop. I really like the interchangeable options. I found when they recommend a product, I haven't been disappointed.
I enjoyed rotating through my Kanayama, Neil Miller shell, Tony Miller, Westholme Italion horse, and Scrupleworks oil tanned strops, that is until Obie got me interested in the Livi Loom strop a few months ago. I haven't used another strop since, as it polished the edge like no tomorrow. Perhaps it's all in my head, but I'm convinced that I get smoother shaves after stropping with the Livi.Quote:
Originally Posted by Phrank
Thanks Richard, it's good to know that I can always count on you to help enable me....what the heart wants, the heart get's.Quote:
Originally Posted by evnpar
Me also, SRD Roo Strop, Kanayama, Tony Miller....
Thinking I'll go the medium size...which did you select?
Personally, I love the SRD Roo strop, quick, fast draw, with some good stickiness to it, very nice leather, I have three strops in use in my bathroom, SRD Roo, Kanayama, and Tony Miller...the Roo is 3" and is superb.Quote:
Originally Posted by jkatzman
But then again, so is the Kanayama...so get both! :o
I have the medium, and it's certainly large enough, even for your humongous razors. You'll be amazed at how soft the leather is. I used to do 30 on linen and 60 on leather, but I now only do 20 on leather with the Livi loom.Quote:
Originally Posted by Phrank
I was hoping the Livi loom strop discussion would cease for a bit...it is causing the first indications of RAD. What a beautiful and functional indulgence/necessity.
I would say if your wanting to get back to a hanging strop but love the silky smooth draw on your Livi Loom strop go with the Kanayama,, the draw will be very similar, as for Scrupleworks strops I have sung their praises here many times, quality ,, nice price and the linen is second to none. Tc
yea it's like you just know your car runs better after it's been washed and detailed.Quote:
Originally Posted by evnpar
I like SRD strops a bunch I have 2 and some illinois stops which are ok and I use for travel. I have to say my favorite at the moment is the Tony Miller Heirloom No. 2 the leather has an amazing surface which I find very pleasing to strop on. A superb quality piece IMO. Similar price to an SRD strop.
Well three pages of threads and the only mention of Kanayama strops, is to say they are highly over-rated. It may surprise subscribers to this thread, but shell cordovan strops like Kanayama are much valued and mine certainly perform brilliantly.
Agreed - I have 3 strops hanging in my bathroom, the other two are "support" strops for the Kanayama, which is my go-to strop.Quote:
Originally Posted by bobski
The SRD Roo strop is also a superb strop, different draw, different material, and the Tony Miller because I found one for sale, also, I like "progressive stropping", and for me, the Kanayama and the SRD Roo strop go supremely well together.
Having said that, the Mastro Livi Loom strop just arrived, have been watching his video about it, and how he strops and what he looks for on the edge of the razor, how he know the blade has been stropped enough, is very intriguing, so will be interesting to see where this strop fits.
Nothing compares to the leather I've felt on this Livi Loom strop, just wish it didn't look somewhat like human skin stretched on a loom.....:o
Just don't take a bite out of it Andrew, that creamy leather is sooo tempting ........ :pQuote:
Originally Posted by Phrank
The Roo strop is very nice, I tried a friend’s SRD but it is too fast for me. I don't like a lot of draw, but I do like a little. The old Tony Miller horsehide I started with is about right, and so is my SRD Premium 1 that I cut down to 2 1/2" width.
My kanayama 80,000 still doesn't get much use. Too nice to risk skinning it up when I have some that already show battle scars. :shrug:
My #70000 is my everyday strop. I have an #80000 and like you Jimmy I only use it now and then, mainly to give it a palm rub, keep it supple and ready for the day I put it into service, say 2027....what do you think, am I underestimating the #70000? My oldest grandson is 6 so I think he might inherit the #70000, I'll still be using the #80000 when I buy my first walking stick......
My #80000 is my daily strop, with a Griffith English bridle as an alternative, and a well worn Tony Miller #2 as a pasted strop with artist grade CrOx.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
It's good to know that me and Jimmy aren't the only ones....lol
Kanayama overated that's made my smile from ear to ear in my opinion without doubt the finest strop ever made they reign supreme, I've tried them all and I couldn't look at another strop after using mine, I use the 80000 I own 2 just purchase another after many years of service stropping hundreds of razors every year it still is a amazing workhorse of a strop.
Yup, I have a #3 and a #6, and gifted to a friend a nice #8 that I had, figured I had the suede and linen via the other two, so the #8 had it all....beautiful strops without a doubt.Quote:
Originally Posted by celticcrusader
I, too, have been looking at purchasing a new strop. Why, I don't know...other than I haven't bought any razor schtuff for a few months. :shrug: The last one, and the only store bought strop I have, was SRD modular paddle, which I really like. Especially for blades that come straight of the hone. For everyday use, I have a 3" hanging one I made. My RAD is kicking in, and a beautiful strop may be the scratch to that itch.
I just looked at Scrupleworks site. It looks like they changed their handles. Not sure I like that design of handle. I've never tried one, but, to me, it looks uncomfortable. At current exchange rate, the 3" model looks like it'll be a few pennies over $160, to get it to my door. Which, I don't feel is too bad.
I've also been looking at the SRD Roo strop. At, about 1/2 the $, I may go that route...for now, anyway. :nj
I have one and it s lovely design .
One what Gary ? ;) Inquiring minds want to know ......... :angel:Quote:
Originally Posted by gary haywood
It's a torolf oil tanned linen strop but instead of traditional handle it has a metal tee bar and the loop that hooks to the wall hook is like a clasp. Check his website he may have a picture of one ?
This is picture like mine.
That T handle might be kind of nice to use.
It is it's easy to grip
i have the SRD roo and like it a lot. especially for the price.
Here's my collection so far (plus a second TM I keep in the shave den)..
Attachment 263722
L to R :
SRD Premium IV w/poly - Heavy draw which gets heavier with use. This strop gets smoothed out over time. The poly backing has a very slippery feeling but it does the job.
SRD Roo - Light scritchy draw. Felt backing on this one which I love. Same material that comes with the modular paddle felt pads. I could crox it up if I wanted but there's no need since I have a few balsa paddles.
Tony Miller - The Formula 1 of strops. Light slick draw. The cottom weave backing is very nice. The surface will soften over time with use but keeps that slick draw feeling.
The Kanayama - Its like stropping on butter. The cordovan is amazingly smooth and soft. The backing is stiff and comes with instructios to break it in. Ive been running a metal ruler edge across the backing every day to help break it in and it's getting nice and soft.
I learned on a TM so I'm a little biased but I think it's a really great strop for the price. The SRD strops are all quality and are great if you want to try something different since they offer a few different types of leather. The Kanayama.. well it's expensive. I would consider this a collectors strop because of the price. It is an amazing peice of material but should be added to a collection after some experience is gained and the SAD is truly out of control. I was able to resist for a whole year.
Ok there's my morning strop wrap up. Time for coffee..
