Thread: 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Now that Tony Miller seems to have withdrawn from strop-making for a while, I am looking for a source for a very good 3" Horsehide strop.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 ...

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

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.

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 ...

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

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.

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!

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.

I've just emailed both gentlemen regarding customization, and will post the results here as it may be helpful to others. Thanks again, everyone.

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??