Source for Good 3" Horsehide Strop

Printable View

07-21-2010, 03:04 PM
Tuxedo7

Source for Good 3" Horsehide Strop

Now that Tony Miller seems to have withdrawn from strop-making for a while, I am looking for a source for a very good 3" Horsehide strop. I've got a couple of vintage 2.5" shell strops, but I have really fallen in love with the 3" strop for speed and consistency. Anyway, I know the Kanayama strop is actually about 2.64 inches wide, and if Tony doesn't come back to strop-making, and if I can't find another quality 3" horsehide, I'll probably shell out the big bucks for a Kanayama (by the way, Kanayama is offering a 10% "exchange rate relief" discount on a his strops in July and August of 2010).

Any recomendations would be very welcome. By the way, I've had a WTB on classifieds for over a month, and no bites ... so if you have one of these you're willing to part with, I will gladly pay a reasonable price.

Thanks ...
07-21-2010, 04:08 PM
Kees

I love my Kanayama strop. IIRC JimR, Rasage Poulin and RasurPur sell them.
07-21-2010, 04:18 PM
Bullah

If it's "Quality" you're after, Neil Miller might be your best bet. You can visit his web site www.strop-shop.co.uk - hand made straight razor strops, razor pouches, shaving accessories, vintage razors, razor honing and restoration or PM him on here.
07-21-2010, 06:09 PM
Tuxedo7

So far, I will be considering either the Kanayama or the Neil Miller. I like the Neil Miller except for lacking the modular construction. Hmmm ...
07-21-2010, 06:29 PM
lz6

Neil Millers work is simply outstanding, be it buffalo, bridle and his linen. Also you might want to ask Jim R. if Kanayama may, for an additional fee, make a 60000 that is just a fraction short of 3". :) Never hurts to ask
07-21-2010, 06:48 PM
RicTic

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuxedo7

I like the Neil Miller except for lacking the modular construction. Hmmm ...

Not sure what you mean by this.
He does a modular paddle strop and all kinds of hanging strops.
I own one of his 3" Superior English Bridle Strops and can vouch for the quality.
I think I'm right in saying that he'll make you a strop to order if he hasn't got the one you want in the gallery.
07-21-2010, 07:33 PM
Tuxedo7

Hey Iz6 and RicTic ... good suggestions on making a custom request.

As for Neil Miller's strop not being "modular", I meant that the handle and hardware are "sewn" into the strop, rather than the hardware/screws that make the strop replaceable if for some reason (e.g, operator error) the strop gets damaged.

I must be suffering from "male-not-wanting-to-ask-for-help disorder" ... I should've thought of asking both Neil Miller and JimR (Kanayama) if they can make a "custom" strop given the fact that their handcrafted work is really more like custom anyway.

Much appreciated!
07-21-2010, 07:38 PM
RicTic

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuxedo7

Hey Iz6 and RicTic ... good suggestions on making a custom request.

As for Neil Miller's strop not being "modular", I meant that the handle and hardware are "sewn" into the strop, rather than the hardware/screws that make the strop replaceable if for some reason (e.g, operator error) the strop gets damaged.

I must be suffering from "male-not-wanting-to-ask-for-help disorder" ... I should've thought of asking both Neil Miller and JimR (Kanayama) if they can make a "custom" strop given the fact that their handcrafted work is really more like custom anyway.

Much appreciated!

That English Bridle Strop of mine isn't stitched in, but has the screws.
You could always ask. :)

Edit: This quoted from Neil's site; If you do not see something among the strops I have listed here that is suitable, I also offer a bespoke strop-making service so you can order your own length, width and style of strop.
07-21-2010, 07:59 PM
Tuxedo7

I've just emailed both gentlemen regarding customization, and will post the results here as it may be helpful to others. Thanks again, everyone.
07-21-2010, 08:32 PM
BlacknTan

I'd be interested in knowing myself.

I've been eyeballing the Neil Miller strops for some time, but like others, I'd prefer modular construction with Chicago screws so I could replace components in case of a disaster..
No disasters yet with my Tony Miller, bit I'm only one bad stroke away...

Now, where's that wood??
07-21-2010, 09:35 PM
lz6

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlacknTan

I'd be interested in knowing myself.

I've been eyeballing the Neil Miller strops for some time, but like others, I'd prefer modular construction with Chicago screws so I could replace components in case of a disaster..
No disasters yet with my Tony Miller, bit I'm only one bad stroke away...

Now, where's that wood??

Neil will make you a custom strop with the hardware you describe. I have a buffalo/english bridle combo that has the 3 screw attachment to the hardware.
His Bridle leather is like nothing you have ever used....simply amazing workmanship and fantastic leather. Neil is great to deal with and a great communicator. Now his linen strop I use is a one piece sewed at both ends which works fine for me it is a real pleasure to use.

My Kanayama strop is my finisher regardless of any other strop I may have used on a razor after a shave. It it a piece of art, you will not be unhappy iif you purchase one. Jim is great to deal with as well.
07-21-2010, 09:51 PM
lz6

2 Attachment(s)

Here is my Neil Miller Buffalo (blk side) and English Bridle with removeable screws.
07-21-2010, 10:12 PM
BlacknTan

Thanks lz6, I'll contact Neil Miller and get all the info...

Thanks again!
07-22-2010, 12:32 AM
JDeviere

I bought a 3" from a guy out of FL, but its a Dovo. He has other 3" strops out there though. Its the superiorshave.com or something like that. As a new guy it has been completely destroyed. I dream about Neil Miller strops, but my budget won't quite allow it yet. From what people say here he must be the man and most on this site seem to know a lot about strops.
07-22-2010, 07:17 AM
PhatMan

Hi,

+1 on Mr Neil Millers strops; they are first rate :)

I have many (many !!) of them, both hangers & paddles; most excellent quality pieces :)

As has been mentioned, he will do any degree of bespoking you need.

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ
07-22-2010, 02:58 PM
bambos

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhatMan

Hi,

+1 on Mr Neil Millers strops; they are first rate :)

I have many (many !!) of them, both hangers & paddles; most excellent quality pieces :)

As has been mentioned, he will do any degree of bespoking you need.

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

+2, on the above.

I also got Neil Millers modular strop with 5 modules, Thin Black Juchten, Hard Thick Black Latigo, Marbled Light Tallow Tan, Light Thin Horse Hide as well the Hard Wool Felt, and the quality is first class.
07-22-2010, 03:37 PM
Brando

I would try Ken Rup at ruprazor.com his horsehide strops are excellent check out the "Paladen" I love mine
07-22-2010, 04:37 PM
Neil Miller

Many thanks for the endorsements Alex $, lz6, RicTic, JDeviere, PhatMan and Bambos - I really appreciate your comments! :bow

Regards,
Neil
08-16-2010, 09:07 PM
scottlp

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kees

I love my Kanayama strop. IIRC JimR, Rasage Poulin and RasurPur sell them.

Actually, I sold all that I had of these and don't have any plans to attempt to acquire more even though I would love to.
08-16-2010, 09:27 PM
ShavedZombie

I believe Neil Miller does 3'' Horsehide... However, I know SRD is planning a horsehide strop very soon, and if their past strops are any indicator, it will be quality through and through, and modular.

Cheers,
Jeremy
08-17-2010, 08:07 AM
Kees

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottlp

...don't have any plans to attempt to acquire more...

May I ask why?
08-17-2010, 10:55 PM
MarkinLondon

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bullah

If it's "Quality" you're after, Neil Miller might be your best bet. You can visit his web site www.strop-shop.co.uk - hand made straight razor strops, razor pouches, shaving accessories, vintage razors, razor honing and restoration or PM him on here.

+1 on that. I've got one of his cowhides and can't imagine replacing it.