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So eventually (not anytime soon though) I plan on buying a custom strop from SRD. Now I want the second strop to be fabic, so it will either be the "matching webbed fabric", "100% cotton herringbone weave", or "100% hard compressed wool felt". I have no idea what the difference between any of these are. I would prefer something quite soft if that makes a difference. Could anyone with experience in any of these fabrics from SRD explain these products to me?
Thanks,
Brent
I haven't used any of these (the SRD branded ones anyways), but I would think the 100% cotton would be the best to start with. 50 down and back passes on the cotton, the 50 down and back on the leather.
The nylon webbing that I have tried had little draw,and didn't feel like it worked as well as the cotton.
The wool strop is I believe meant to be used with diamond spray, CroOx or other pastes.
I'm sure others will chime in with their suggestions, but this is what I think FWIW.
FWIW - I use a repurposed nylon web belt for my fabric strop and I'm loving the edge I get off it. 20 passes on the webbing then about 50 on the Filly strop and I get a very smooth shave.
No authority here, but, I've purchased the SRD strop set up with the web-fabric option and was very pleased with the quality and the hardwear set- up on it...this was with latigo leather.
As I like using a hanging strop, (no claim that they are the best all round choice, I just like using them), I wanted a second fabric strop to use with CroOx...had heard that the web-fabric worked well with pastes, I ordered a second web strop for pastes, (as well as another Premium II leather blank), which I set up with my own hardwear.
I have had good results with the CroOx on this strop, though I cannot say how it stacks up to the herringbone cotton, as I haven't used it. Merely saying that the quality and configuration of their set up and materials is great and that the web strop is a good strop...in my unqualified opinion. Oh yeah, one more thing...these guys are fast on getting your order to you...I have made several orders and I've had the order in hand within two-days...and no more than four...
Anyone know how similar the 'proper' nylon strop material is to automotive seat belts?
I have two strops, one has a fabric backing (linen IIRC) and the other is the SRD 3" black latigo with webbed fabric.
The webbed fabric gives a very good result, and I cant tell the difference between that and the linen on the other strop to be honest. I spent quite a while comparing the two, and there was no difference in the shave at all, nor in edge longevity.
The linen does have more draw though.
The webbed fabric is not as smooth as a car seatbelt, its more like the straps on military webbing or on a backpack.
It does give a very good result though, and if you're not particularly concerned either way, I would say go for the webbed fabric and save the pennies! If you're someone who just has to have cotton, then Ok, go for the cotton...! :)
The pressed felt is very good with diamond spray, but I'm not sure how it performs on its own as a material. You shouldnt paste your daily strop though, so if you want the felt backing, get a second strop and paste that for touch ups. SRD sell a modular paddle which would be a very good idea for various different pastes, and they also sell a hanging felt strop as well.
Good luck!