Thread: Fromm Illinois Strop 361

I own and use a Premium Strop Company red latigo. Works just fine. I'm thinking, however, of getting this Illinois 361 strop. Will this add a distinctive difference in my stropping experience? Or is it too similar to the red latigo? Comments welcome.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DYM5SM...=3B9D7RZVRLENW

I also own a Premium red latigo, and have a couple of Illinois strops as well. I can say that the Premium is not at all the same as my Illinois', as they all are different in their own ways. The biggest difference with mine is that the Illinois has quite a bit more draw to them then the red latigo, which I am a big fan of. Also, although the Premium is wider and may accommodate certain razors better, it is prone to cupping. Either way they all have certain advantages and disadvantages, especially because every blade is different. The Illinois will not be too similar to the Premium, and will give you a different stropping experience. You can't lose by purchasing the Illinois, in my opinion they're a good strop.

Originally Posted by Firefighter2

I also own a Premium red latigo, and have a couple of Illinois strops as well. I can say that the Premium is not at all the same as my Illinois', as they all are different in their own ways. The biggest difference with mine is that the Illinois has quite a bit more draw to them then the red latigo, which I am a big fan of. Also, although the Premium is wider and may accommodate certain razors better, it is prone to cupping. Either way they all have certain advantages and disadvantages, especially because every blade is different. The Illinois will not be too similar to the Premium, and will give you a different stropping experience. You can't lose by purchasing the Illinois, in my opinion they're a good strop.

Thank you for your reply, but I need a bit more than 1) they're all different and 2) Illinois strops are good. I know Illinois strops are good as I did extensive reading in advanced search. I'm looking for differences in leather, draw, shell, etc. I'm not necessarily looking to go cheap, but neither am I looking to go yakamama-something 90000 $500.

Is the Illinois 361 enough different from red latigo for an enjoyable stropping experience, or should I consider something else like cordavan, roo, English bridle?

Longhaultanker:
Not ALL Kanayama strops are $500, the #3 is a great piece of horse butt and is quite affordable when you can find one. Very light fast draw!

Buy the best strop you can afford. There is nothing better than stropping on a nice piece of leather. Any of the premium strops will do the job.

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This thread / question isn't about what I can afford. That doesn't answer my questions about the Illinois 361. This is a simple compare / contrast with PSC red latigo question. Vague replies are not helpful. I'd love to see comments ON POINT! Any takers?

Maybe have a word with Westholme Strops he has all sorts of leathers and designs and whilst there are no prices on his site they are affordable. Even his cordovan strops.

Originally Posted by Porl

Maybe have a word with Westholme Strops he has all sorts of leathers and designs and whilst there are no prices on his site they are affordable. Even his cordovan strops.

Very nice looking strops, he would probably do more business if he were to advertise his prices, most folks think if you're afraid to post the price, it must be very expensive. But as he say's its not his full time job, he may have all he can keep up with!

Originally Posted by Longhaultanker

Thank you for your reply, but I need a bit more than 1) they're all different and 2) Illinois strops are good. I know Illinois strops are good as I did extensive reading in advanced search. I'm looking for differences in leather, draw, shell, etc. I'm not necessarily looking to go cheap, but neither am I looking to go yakamama-something 90000 $500.

Is the Illinois 361 enough different from red latigo for an enjoyable stropping experience, or should I consider something else like cordavan, roo, English bridle?

The Illinois 361 is different enough for an enjoyable stropping experience, and I did mention about the difference between them regarding draw.