Thread: Strop for a newbie

Hi

What would be some recommended strops for someone new to straight shaving? Keep in mind I am trying to resist getting an AD.

So I would like to get something pretty good, but I have also heard it is inevitable a newcomer will cut their strop. Is that right?

Thanks

RupRazor has some relatively affordable strops. The $20 Filly is a good first strop. The more expensive strops such as those found at Straight razor Designs have $25 leather replacements for when you cut your strop irreparably. And yes you will probably cut your first strop.

bought a dovo best quality for my first strop. Its hamburger now. So yes you will cut it

Originally Posted by jpm7676

bought a dovo best quality for my first strop. Its hamburger now. So yes you will cut it

I beg to differ. Not all newbies cut the strop. I never cut my strop. Not even once. I've put nicks that do not effect damage at either extreme edge from the way I flip the razor (too much force)... but that still happens. I started on a fairly expensive strop too. The key is to practice before hand, and take it slow/careful.

As for beginner strops, I will ALWAYS recommend either the SRD Premium IV in bridle, it's just my favorite hanger, or, as of late, the SRD Modular paddle which is, hands down, the greatest razor related thing I own and have ever touched. I love this thing.

The reason I support getting a more expensive strop first: If it cost you more, you're more likely to take your time and baby it. If it cost you five bucks, meh, if it cost you 50-100, you do NOT want to mess up. It helps. Also, these two are built modularly, so if you do have a slipup, you can just buy a new replacement leather pad/magstrip. It'll cost you 25-35$ and you'll be back in business.

REally, it's down to personal preference between a hanging strop and a paddle strop, but the paddle just comes with so many different materials and does so many different functions... I love the thing and can't recommend it enough.

Good luck, if you have any questions about strops -or anything else, really- feel free to PM me.

Cheers,
Jeremy

Originally Posted by ShavedZombie

I beg to differ. Not all newbies cut the strop. I never cut my strop. Not even once. I've put nicks that do not effect damage at either extreme edge from the way I flip the razor (too much force)... but that still happens. I started on a fairly expensive strop too. The key is to practice before hand, and take it slow/careful.

As for beginner strops, I will ALWAYS recommend either the SRD Premium IV in bridle, it's just my favorite hanger, or, as of late, the SRD Modular paddle which is, hands down, the greatest razor related thing I own and have ever touched. I love this thing.

The reason I support getting a more expensive strop first: If it cost you more, you're more likely to take your time and baby it. If it cost you five bucks, meh, if it cost you 50-100, you do NOT want to mess up. It helps. Also, these two are built modularly, so if you do have a slipup, you can just buy a new replacement leather pad/magstrip. It'll cost you 25-35$ and you'll be back in business.

REally, it's down to personal preference between a hanging strop and a paddle strop, but the paddle just comes with so many different materials and does so many different functions... I love the thing and can't recommend it enough.

Good luck, if you have any questions about strops -or anything else, really- feel free to PM me.

Cheers,
Jeremy

I agree with you on the English Bridle (haven't tried the modular strop).

The Filly is a great strop. It's $20 and very easy to sand out the nicks. And when you nick it you won't drop a brick like you would when you nick a $100 strop.

I found a Fromm (Illinois strop) on amazon and it was only $35 shipped and unlike the Filly it is a regular strop in the sense that it comes with a linen side on the back and a handle. For those reasons I went with this one as my first strop. Good Luck

I personally really enjoy my Filly. I find it very easy to cut out and sand the inevitable knicks.

So much so, that when it's time to upgrade/collect more, I'll definately be purchasing from Ruprazor again.

Maxi

I've used my Tony Miller Artiaian strop for years, well......since back in the days when he only had one option in leather and linnen. He also has the practice strop option that is fine qulity and won't hurt your bank as it is very cheap when bought in addition to your top quality strop.

Mine is red latigo and cotton, but like I say thats all there was back when I got mine, and I've never even been tempted by anything else.

The Well Shaved Gentleman The Heirloom Razor Strop Company

To avoid AD i think you have to start with the werry best there is
so you dont feel like looking for something better.
Now to do that you need the top picks from atleast 4 produsers so your probably doomed anyway