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

I believe Tony Miller calls the 3" strops the "New" Standard, because that's becoming far and away the most popular size ordered... but prefers a slightly narrower size for himself. Forgot if I read that on B&B or his website, so I may be completely wrong.

Personally, I have a 3" red latigo. Love the width. Like Lynn says, I wouldn't even dream of ordering a smaller strop, especially since you can use an X-pattern on it anyway. I've got a narrower horsehide - two actually - one with a slight nap, the other with the regular ultra smooth draw. I actually like the one with a bit of nap the best out of the three leathers I've tried. With a bit of use and some strop conditioner (after scratching it up a bit, heh), not only does it give me wonderful feedback, but it's become very quick. Perhaps 90% as quick as my smooth horsehide, whereas I'd say my latigo was 75%. I only wish it were bigger! My preference is for the contoured handles, since my fingers are thin enough to slip between the handle and the strop, allowing me to use it similarly to a D-Ring whenever I like, without having to change hardware.

Originally Posted by Stubear

If you're looking at SRD strops, I have the 3" black latigo with webbed fabric and its a really great strop! I cant recommend them enough, and they are very well made.

A quality product and the service from Lynn and Don is A1.

Let us know what you choose!

Like Stubear, I have the SRD Red Latigo and webbed fabric in the 3 inch model, I recommend it as well. HOG

Guys. Thanks for all the feedback. Since I'm already using to the Filly, I decided to go with the RR Paladin. This gives me the opportunity to move up to a 3" horsehide with D rings, and I'm assuming the draw will be better but similar to what I have now. I can always use the Filly with some paste.

Unfortunately, without buying both, I don't have the opportunity to try a latigo against the horsehide, and I can always buy something else later. Both Tony and Ken seem to have great reputations as strop builders, and Ken gave me the opportunity to get started without breaking the bank.

I'll get back to you and let you know how I like it. Hey, if it sucks you'll find it in the classifieds. It's not like I'm buying a new car.

Originally Posted by Oglethorpe

Guys,

I give my whole-hearted recommendation to Ken's Paladin. I have the 3 inch version with all the features (d-rings on both strops, canvas, and really nice horsehide). I think it cost about $85.

It's my only strop. I see no reason to go to anything else. Ken also included a pumice stone in my package (not sure if he's still doing this) and I've just recently refreshed the surface of the horsehide. The feedback is great, the construction is sturdy and the thing screams quality.

How's that for a recommendation?

G

I have a Paladin and it just feels better than my SRD red latigo, but I'd been keeping the Paladin as a post-latigo finishing strop on occasion.

Anyone else use the Paladin exclusively with superior results?

It feels so much nicer than the latigo, which is so stiff, even though I've used it for many months, and always rub it with my palm to warm it up, as SRD suggests.

After about a year now of using my Illinois #206 I just bought the modular paddle from SRD. I thought if i nick up the leather i can buy replacement pads and i still have the 206. I think i like the paddle style a lot for stropping or it might just be the extra width but it feels nice.