Thread: Help me make some choices with a razor strop

I am looking at a Straight Razor Designs 3" Red Latigo Strop with Leather Handle- your choices and why

Whats the difference 100% hard press - which one should i choose and why

Matched webbing- which one should i choose and why

Srd premium fabric - which one should i choose and why

100% hard pressed wool felt- which one should i choose and why

Stropping materials are largely a matter of preference.

Some folks would say that a Horween shell cordovan strop with vintage linen backing strop is as good as it gets.

Others would say that any leather can be used (cowhide, suede, horsehide, pigskin, kangaroo, etc., or even synthetic leather)

Some say any fabric can work (linen, cotton, polyester webbing, old fire hose, wool felt, or denim from an old pair of blue jeans.)

While all of these materials can work, whether you will enjoy using them is another matter.

Different leathers can have variations in the finish of the leather, so they will feel different and sound different as the blade passes over them. Because of the way it is tanned and finished, Latigo normally has a heavier draw than many other leathers.

Normally pressed wool strops are used with abrasive sprays such as diamond, ChromeOx, etc.
You can apply one spray to one side and a finer spray to the other.

Linen, cotton, polyweb, denim, etc. can be used plain, or with abrasive pastes or sprays.
Often one side of these strops is kept plain and the other side is used for paste or spray.

If this is your first strop, I would suggest giving Don Alderman a call at the Straight Razor Designs/Imperial Shaving store.
Don is a great guy who will give you good advice and see that you receive a strop appropriate for your needs and skill level.

If this is your first strop, do not make the mistake of purchasing a high priced strop.
You are very likely to cut, nick, and scrape your strop until you perfect your stropping technique.
Once you learn how to strop properly, get yourself a premium strop if your budget allows