There are several models of the Red Imps. Some are Horse and some are not. The same with the DDs. Some are very nice thick pieces and some are thin basic ho hum strops.
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There are several models of the Red Imps. Some are Horse and some are not. The same with the DDs. Some are very nice thick pieces and some are thin basic ho hum strops.
Might be...All I have seen are model 700C?
Interesting! Could we get a few shots of yours?
I have wondered what the difference between the two as well(700 and 700c). I have seen a red imp that did not have cyrtified but a Los Angeles barber supply stamp instead. Does anybody know anything about that. Could be they custom ordered them for extra advertising, but I am not sure.
I have seen several with the Red Imp logo on top and a barber's supply stamped on bottom.
Just like razors..Stamped for the seller.
I thought so just was not sure. I have seen only three of those, two from L.A. and the other one slips my mind but I do remember it was not L.A. and not certyfied. Thanks sharptonn!
I have two Red Imps. One is a 700 and the other a 700C. Both are wonderful strops. The only difference is that the 700 has a faster draw than its cousin, the 700C. The 700C is in better shape and may have been a NOS. Both strops are Certifyd.
I am wondering about thickness of each?
The 700 on left and 700C on right. Most of the Red Imp logo is gone now. The hardware is different as well. The 700 states made in Germany and the 700C says made in USA. The 700 measures 2.9mm in middle and the 700C measures 3.5mm in thickness. I had to do some restoration work on the 700 so it is slightly narrower than the 700C. A hunk of leather was was missing. Looked like a rat had chewed on it. Had to sand it down to regain the proper look. Also had to lather it up with Williams shaving soap several times to soften it up. Seems to have worked as it has a nice draw somewhat faster than the 700C. Colors are certainly different. Hope this was helpful. Austin
Found this showing the different Pelican strops
Attachment 287057
Not the greatest pics but you can see the 6P top of the line goes for 28000 yen, about 260 bucks, 186 quid which is around the price of the top end Kanoyamas being sold now.
When was that, Mark?
Not sure mate, the photo didn't come with any more info :shrug:
I daresay it's a good few years old.
They had quite the lineup, eh?
Betcha that is from the 60's at most. Would be nice to have seen those in person!
Yeah, ol' Naomi Sans had quite the career from making these exquisite strops. I remember JimRs blog showing at least 25 different stamps. Would love to have a gander where he works, I bet he still has a few from back in the day.
I wonder if he realises how loved his strops are to us?
This one sold for 255.00 just now...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Red-Imp-700...vip=true&rt=nc
Not too shabby! :)
Attachment 288301
See that Red Imp plastic sleeve?
That is what was on 2 of my old NOS Kanayamas. From Japan!
High price, but it looks mint and I paid more I think for my Neil Miller Shell and Westhlome Shell is about the same I believe.
It had some yucky fabric. If it had been another brand it would not have garnered half of that, IMO. Still, hard to see them in that condition.
Yup another quality shell wouldn't sell for nearly as much but Red Imps have always been coveted and threads like this will drive up prices. I've seen a few descent 2 inch vintage shell go for peanuts :shrug:
To weigh in on the 700 & 700C discussion I’m thinking the 700 is shell and the 700C shell Cordovan. The coloring and difference in draw fits in my mind. My 700 has a slicker faster draw, where my 700C has a draw similar to my Kanayama. Just a thought.
For you fellas that have vintage strops I picked one up this week in fine condition. The Shell is damn near perfect but the linen has a waxy like compound on it that looks like it is supposed to be on there, its very stiff, I did a few laps and inspected the edge with a loupe and wasn't happy so gave it a good wash and soak. Most of the wax is off, its still very stiff however. Thoughts please.
I dont think someone has applied it the front and backs coated in the stuff like it was compleatly submerged in it.
I also have the hard waxy linen on my Red Imp. Believe that was common. There are a few threads that discuss how to soften them up. I don’t use linen so have not address this issue.
They did that back in the day. Now, it makes a mess.
An old saucepan you don't care about. Roll it up and put it in . Boiling water, laundry detergent.
Boil awhile, take it out and scrape it off with a spatula. Change water and repeat.
I used Oxyclean. Don't know if you have that or an equivalent. flatten sandwiched in a towel to dry.
Works nicely
Cheers mate. Thought that might be the way to go. Does it still retain its stiffness?
Wolfpack uses starch. I never have.
If you stop and let dry, test in between boilings. you can get it like you want.
Lotsa that chalky waxy stuff in them.
those are perfect! Nothing beats a well cared for strop!
AFAIK, the hardware you speak of is unique to Naomi-San's strops.
I have some in steel.
Attachment 291509
Let's see yours?
I have recently sanded it with 1000 grit wet/dry to get rid of some nicks and dents and lightly applied some neatsfoot oil to restore the surface.
It is very supple and has a light draw.
Attachment 291507
Attachment 291508
That's it....Think I might have a Jatco. I will look.
Stick a magnet on that clamp. Bet it is plated steel?
I suppose I should post a few I have recently worked-on for several days.
Pretty rough as-beginning...
Attachment 291679Attachment 291680Attachment 291681Attachment 291682
Turned-up sweet. The Pelican has fabric, the K3000, suede.
Attachment 291683Attachment 291684
Those are beauties.