Shell Strops-Where Have You Been All These Years?!

Well, I got my cordovan shell strop in from Leonard/Bouschie off of our BST, and all I can say is WOW! I can't stop re-stropping already shave-ready, stropped blades on this silky-smooth surface. I don't know if it improves edges over other strops (most experienced strop gurus say no at any rate), but it sure is a pleasure to use, and I like the hard canvas on the other side too-very tactile but smooth feel.
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/x...psmbjqkpnn.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/x...pszbfftzbt.jpg
http://i767.photobucket.com/albums/x...ps8tz2metw.jpg

I've never really been a "strop guy" after getting my gorgeous English Bridle custom from Hidestoart-I figured that was all I need. But now I want to get some vintage shell: Red Imp, etc. What other vintage shells are highly regarded? Off to Ebay now!

Jeez-Another rabbit hole! Aaron

I really like that strop !!

Yup, there just is something about a shell cordovan strop that really pleases regardless if it is any better or not than other strops. May you find many more, enjoy.

Bob

Aaron
Thanks for the nice write up. If you ever find a Red Imp you will love it. I picked one up last year in excellent condition and love it. My other Strop I have had over 30 years. It was old when I got it but it still does a great job. It is a Hoffritz. Best o you.
Leonard (a.k.a. Bouschie)

Yeah, in prowling around on old threads here and around the web, I'm really wanting a Red Imp, maybe a Beau Brummell, etc. It seems that the Certifyd company manufactured these pro-grade strops for numerous companies back in the day. I'm learning a lot this evening. I'm also seeing a lot of "Scotch tanned" on some nicer ones like this one (I'm sort of obsessed with Scotland anyway after last summer's visit, but that's another story).

If I get a few, I can even envision having a fancy, old-fashioned "strop rack" in my living room with a number of vintage shells on it-kind of a working display/conversation piece. Anyway, something besides the usual shot glass or other cheesy collections you see sometimes.

edit: I just lost this Dubl Duck to somebody who wanted it $1 worth more than I did! http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-DUBL...torefresh=true

That DD looks kind of rough. Of course you can't tell for sure until you get it and work on it.

I have a Suntorbach I believe that is the spelling and I love it. Got mine at an antique store for a reasonable price. They are on eBay last I looked quiet often. Nice strop.

I just got a C-Mon De Luxe I'm currently in the process of working on. I'm interested to see how the fabric side, which is treated with a wax coating works. Not something I've seen on any modern strop, but apparently was popular on vintage strops, like that Dubl Duck you linked to. Cordovan is just a great surface to strop on. And I might be a bit strange, but I love the smell.

Man! Some of the old ones can be buttery, for certain.
Never know till you try them. Still, while they feel good, some slick ones do a fine job as well.
Nice stuff to strop on, indeed!

I have an old 2" Weiffenbach shell, and it is amazing to strop on. Leaves a great edge too.

Aaron, does it smell like smoke? If it does, you're lucky. The old smoke in Barbershops had something magical in it, that makes the edge on a razor even better!