Thread: Beginner Strop - leather or leather & linen

Being new to this, I've got the razors on the way, already honed, so I'm now looking to get a strop so I can use them. My question is, besides not getting something too expensive as I'm told to expect the nicks and cuts from learning, should I get one with just leather (like a Filly which I've heard is suggested a lot) or should I go right into a strop with leather and linen. thanks.

Both !!!!!!

I wouldn't say "expect" nicks, but don't be too discouraged if you get them. I've never nicked a strop in the ~crosses fingers~.

I would highly recommend a good strop from the start. For example:

You buy an SRD premium. The higher cost makes you more careful with it, so you don't nick it as much. In the event you DO nick it beyond repair, a replacement piece of leather is available from the vendor for the same cost as a Filly.

Ergo:
a.) You may not nick up your strop too much to use, and save money by not replacing a strop.
b.) If you do nick the strop, you're out no more money that if you started with the Filly... and you have linen/webbing and very nice leather to start with.

+ 1 to Benjamin's comments. For what its worth I just got my SRD Premium IV and I really like it a lot.

I'll be contrary. I'm not saying to buy a cheap crummy strop but I would not buy a premium strop as my first one. A lessor strop will do the same job and each time you use it you won't be worried about nicks and cuts. Most of us have more than one strop and you will always have use for more than one anyway.

I ordered a cheaper one to begin with, and did not receive it yet so I can't comment. But I also have some cheaper straight razors coming too, so I will practice on the cheap razors first, then I will order a better one.

It's a luck that I waited for the good one because I would not have ordered the one I have in mind right now, and would or could have had regrets after buying it.

This is what I have in mind. It could be a red one though.



From the description, do you have a hint why?

Quality Black Latigo Strop produced by Premier Strop Company at the advise of Lynn Abrams, the founder of Straight Razor Place. Handmade in USA by skilled Amish craftsmen. Two strops in one, the first is constructed of leather selected from premium hides; the second is made of a fabric webbing.
Features a metal swiveling loop for hanging and a comfortable leather handle for holding during the stropping process.

Gilles

Gentlemen:

I, too, recommend starting out with the less expensive strops. There is ample time to move up to the higher grades.

Initially, no matter how careful, I managed to nick my first strop. Others have had the same experience. Since proper stropping is not as easy as some might think, why not practice on the less expensive strop? Good ones are available at relatively low prices.

Also, I would suggest a strop with leather and fabric or linen. I am tempted to recommend a 3" at first, but must settle on a 2" in order to master the X-pattern. Sure, one can practice the X-pattern on a 3", but I find the 2" a better tool for learning the X-pattern.

Regards,
Obie

Originally Posted by Obie

Gentlemen:

I, too, recommend starting out with the less expensive strops. There is ample time to move up to the higher grades.

Initially, no matter how careful, I managed to nick my first strop. Others have had the same experience. Since proper stropping is not as easy as some might think, why not practice on the less expensive strop? Good ones are available at relatively low prices.

Also, I would suggest a strop with leather and fabric or linen. I am tempted to recommend a 3" at first, but must settle on a 2" in order to master the X-pattern. Sure, one can practice the X-pattern on a 3", but I find the 2" a better tool for learning the X-pattern.

Regards,
Obie

Assuming you are going to nick up your first strop you are missing Benjamin's point "a replacement piece of leather is available from the vendor for the same cost as a Filly." So how are you at any disadvantage starting with a better strop?

Originally Posted by Lazarus

Assuming you are going to nick up your first strop you are missing Benjamin's point "a replacement piece of leather is available from the vendor for the same cost as a Filly." So how are you at any disadvantage starting with a better strop?

My dear, Lazarus:

Where in my post, which you have quoted, do I mention anything about a Filly?

To paraphrase myself, you can find good strops reasonably priced. That covers an entire spectrum of good strops that are inexpensive compared to the higher end strops with replaceable parts.

Regards,
Obie