Definitive Strop Thread

[khaos]

So I keep hearing all these great opinions about loyal SRD strop buyers or loyal TM'ers, but as I've come to learn the best opinions come from people who have done something 50+ times on different things (hone 50+ different razors on 10+ stones each, etc.)

So any of you guys out there who have used a LOT of strops FREQUENTLY, what are your preferred strops?

[ShavedZombie]

Bwahaha. I have used a LOT of strops -almost every single one of Lynn's. This is excepting the very high priced Kanayamas- And I own adecent chunk of Strops, with more coming

So, My prefered strops: I'll do this in categories, because I can't pick one

Favorite paddle: SRD Modular Paddle. Bar None, Lynn struck brilliance with this one. It's longer than a normal paddle, 3'' wide, and MAGNETIC. Swappable materials. Absolutely brilliant. And the craftsmanship is amazing

Favorite "Do-it-all" Strop: Bridle. No Question. SRD Premium IV Bridle, in extra long. The extra 3'' actually DOES make a big difference to me. This thing can, strop for strop, outperform anything -except some luxury/magical vintages, but those aren't mass produced, and taht's from decades of wearing in- These are readily available and my favorite strop to date. They're absolutely wonderful.

Favorite "Work Horse" Strop: This categorie is for High draw, fast action strops. Tie between TM Latigo and SRD Water Bufallo. The Latigo is PERFECT draw for shaping up an edge fast. a good deal heavier than the bridle, so I do less laps on it, and it doesn't have that same "refined" edge I get off the bridle, but it works fast, it works consistently, and it works great. The Water Bufalo from SRD has a bit more draw than latigo, and it pulls edges out wicked keen in record time. Also, the Water Bufallo mag strip for the modular paddle is phenominal. The draw of a TM Latigo

Favorite Finisher: SRD Premium I. It's got all the finishing qualities of horsehide... But it's a cowhide. I dunno how Lynn and Don pulled this off, but I have never felt a sharper razor than one that went from Bridle to Premium I... It was astounding. This is THE finishing strop.

Favorite Touchup strop: This would be a strop that doesn't even have enough draw for daily stropping, and just enough for finishing stropping, but, when used as a finisher, or a polisher it has wonderful results. TM Horsehide. It takes a good deal of breaking in, but once it hits its stride, take a blade from latigo or bridle onto this, and it'll pop hairs left and right.

Favorite Jack of All trades: This is like the do it all, but a little less... The do it all excells at everything. It's a wonder strop. This one does everything quite well, but doesn't leave me jaw-dropped. SRD Red and Black Latigo. It has about the same draw as the TM Latigo , but a wierd almost sticky magnetic feeling. It is good for a beat up edge that needs a heavy hitter, it works well as a daily strop, and it can take a work horse beating. It's also cheaper than the Bridle, so if you aren't ready for the top shelf spending, it's a great way to go to do everything.

Favorite Fabric: I don't have one. I have tasks for them:
- Favorite edge cleaner: TM Linen, it's just the right amount of abrasion
- Favorite everyday fabric: SRD Webbed fabric, hands down
- Favorite CrOx fabric: SRD Webbed fabric, it works GREAT with the stuff
- Favorite Diamond Spray fabric: Wool felt

That's about it. As you can tell, I am a big fan of SRD and also TM. Great great products. Sure if you want to drop 150-200 dollars, a Kanayama might be better. But for under 100, you just cannot beat SRD

[ShavedZombie]

However, if I had to pick a single favorite, and just one...

I'd say that would be the Bridle. That's the one strop I will never get rid of, and never stop using. Followed closely by the Premium I, which just does a killer job.

Also, once all the different leathers are available for the Modular paddle (as of now, there's only a pre-strop Scrub Leather (like a fabric component) and the Premium I... I know the Water Buffalo and Bridle will be there soon) I think that paddle will be my favorite, or in the top three... It's just such a beautiful product.

[JimmyHAD]

I like the SRD Premium 1, Tony Miller artisan horse/latigo/linen, HandAmerican cordovan/whatever the other side is. Also vintage Red Imp, Koken, C-mon deluxe and hand finished, Dubl Duck Satinedge, FW Engles Russian and a few more I can't think of off the top of my head.

[ShavedZombie]

Also, for vintages, Lynn had a Pigskin that was amazing, and an ooooold Scotch Lass strop with serious talent

[Alembic]

Bwahaha. I have used a LOT of strops -almost every single one of Lynn's. This is excepting the very high priced Kanayamas- And I own adecent chunk of Strops, with more coming

So, My prefered strops: I'll do this in categories, because I can't pick one

Favorite paddle: SRD Modular Paddle. Bar None, Lynn struck brilliance with this one. It's longer than a normal paddle, 3'' wide, and MAGNETIC. Swappable materials. Absolutely brilliant. And the craftsmanship is amazing

Favorite "Do-it-all" Strop: Bridle. No Question. SRD Premium IV Bridle, in extra long. The extra 3'' actually DOES make a big difference to me. This thing can, strop for strop, outperform anything -except some luxury/magical vintages, but those aren't mass produced, and taht's from decades of wearing in- These are readily available and my favorite strop to date. They're absolutely wonderful.

Favorite "Work Horse" Strop: This categorie is for High draw, fast action strops. Tie between TM Latigo and SRD Water Bufallo. The Latigo is PERFECT draw for shaping up an edge fast. a good deal heavier than the bridle, so I do less laps on it, and it doesn't have that same "refined" edge I get off the bridle, but it works fast, it works consistently, and it works great. The Water Bufalo from SRD has a bit more draw than latigo, and it pulls edges out wicked keen in record time. Also, the Water Bufallo mag strip for the modular paddle is phenominal. The draw of a TM Latigo

Favorite Finisher: SRD Premium I. It's got all the finishing qualities of horsehide... But it's a cowhide. I dunno how Lynn and Don pulled this off, but I have never felt a sharper razor than one that went from Bridle to Premium I... It was astounding. This is THE finishing strop.

Favorite Touchup strop: This would be a strop that doesn't even have enough draw for daily stropping, and just enough for finishing stropping, but, when used as a finisher, or a polisher it has wonderful results. TM Horsehide. It takes a good deal of breaking in, but once it hits its stride, take a blade from latigo or bridle onto this, and it'll pop hairs left and right.

Favorite Jack of All trades: This is like the do it all, but a little less... The do it all excells at everything. It's a wonder strop. This one does everything quite well, but doesn't leave me jaw-dropped. SRD Red and Black Latigo. It has about the same draw as the TM Latigo , but a wierd almost sticky magnetic feeling. It is good for a beat up edge that needs a heavy hitter, it works well as a daily strop, and it can take a work horse beating. It's also cheaper than the Bridle, so if you aren't ready for the top shelf spending, it's a great way to go to do everything.

Favorite Fabric: I don't have one. I have tasks for them:
- Favorite edge cleaner: TM Linen, it's just the right amount of abrasion
- Favorite everyday fabric: SRD Webbed fabric, hands down
- Favorite CrOx fabric: SRD Webbed fabric, it works GREAT with the stuff
- Favorite Diamond Spray fabric: Wool felt

That's about it. As you can tell, I am a big fan of SRD and also TM. Great great products. Sure if you want to drop 150-200 dollars, a Kanayama might be better. But for under 100, you just cannot beat SRD

ShavedZombie,

Holy crap! I hope I never get Strop Aquisition Disorder. I had noooo idea!

[Slartibartfast]

Vintage Dubl Duck Shell is my favorite. I only own 2 strops though.......

[ShavedZombie]

ShavedZombie,

Holy crap! I hope I never get Strop Aquisition Disorder. I had noooo idea!

It's funny, because, as of now, I only have four strops...

I still have my eye on:

- SRD Modular Paddle Strop with .5 Diamond Spray
- SRD Premium I and Herringbone Weave
- SRD Premium III and Webbed Fabric
- SRD Black Latigo and Black Webbed Fabric
- Mastro Livi Loom Strop
- Kanayama Llama Strop

....

I told you, I really like SRD... They just make the best damn strops.

[kevint]

This is a bit of new information for me; a finishing strop, touch up, work horse.....?

I thought they were all supposed to be "do it all" which I always thought the "all" was just one thing to realign the edge.

Please explain the need for multiple strops

[wuff]

I own a few and IMO the TM has the best fit and finish.