Thread: I think I've graduated. What now?

I would say whatever you get, go with a 3 inch strop. Much more comfortable to use and once you get used to them, it would be a rarity that you would want to go back to anything smaller.

Have fun,

Lynn

Originally Posted by Lynn

I would say whatever you get, go with a 3 inch strop. Much more comfortable to use and once you get used to them, it would be a rarity that you would want to go back to anything smaller.

Have fun,

Lynn

Thanks, Lynn. You told me this before, and I was taking a look at some of Tony's strops and he now considers 3" to be the "standard." I will definitely go with a 3" strop.

I second the recommendation for a TM latigo strop, i have his new 3" super heavy strop on the way. It is a lot firmer than his regular Latigo due to it weighs more. Another option is a Hand American Old Dog or Chicago strop. They are very reasonable for the price. And are rated very well $75

The best recommendation I can give you is to talk to all the folks that actually have these strops or others if possible and see what they think about break in, draw, maintainence, stiffness and above all, results. There are a lot of good strops out there by a few different sources and in the end personal preference will always end up being key.

Have fun,

Lynn

Lynn is right, most of your kit in the end is going to be about personal preference. Most every strap can get the job done, whether it be an SRD, Tony Miller, Illinois or vintage. In the end, it is all about preference. Consider style, size, color, reputation. In the end, it will be all about your personal taste.

I have a TM Latigo 3" and love it! It was a great upgrade from my cheapo Dovo i originally bought when i started straight shaving a year + ago.

My opinion (i am no pro) is that the TM is a very sturdy strop. It is thick yet flexable enough to change the contuers of the face. The draw gives feedback without being too heavy. I have never found that it hinders any movement of my razors. The edge it leaves is fantastic and it was $$ well spent.

I recently purchased an SRP Premium I, after reading a recent thread about another members experience, but that is still in the mail.

I am hoping they pair up well and provide yet another level in quality shaves.

I must confess that I am at a loss as to why you would want more than one strop.

I have a few strops and the Paladin is my every day strop. The fresh buffing has a little too much draw for my taste but it settles down nicely. More draw than plain horse hide or shell but not too much. I have the 2.5" and its basically wide enough though razors still need a slight x. I'm a big fan of linen so whatever you get make sure it has a cloth component. So far I like vintage linen the best which obviously no one can sell.

On a side note I have some NOS vintage linen that I am saving up to get someone to make a matching leather piece for!

But really my best strop is my vintage Red Imp though I almost never use it because I feel like I am desecrating its NOS glory lol.

I like the D rings, so that would narrow it down to Tony and Ken's. Any comments on the draw and edge the horsehide gives you vs. the latigo? I've only used the Filly so far with a Dovo and Gold Dollar razor.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by ziggy925

Part of the reason the decision is so difficult is that I know I'll get excellent service and product from either RR or SRD. I guess I'm looking for someone who had one and then switched to the other and has some comments.

For example, I have both a Gold Dollar (RR) and a Dovo (SRD). They both shave well, but I feel the quality of the Dovo is better than the Gold Dollar. The Dovo is just a "nicer" razor, and often asthetics are one reason for getting one item over the other.

I have the filly from Ken, also. My beginner strop. I love it. Tonight as I was stropping, I was thinking it's time to "upgrade". But that was just RAD talking. THe filly works great. I don't need another.