Thread: mountain mike strops

Has anyone tried these strops? Any thoughts on their use and quality? Thanks

is mountain mike a brand?

Yes it is. They are advertised on Classic Shaving's site.
Razor Strops, Hones, and Accessories

I suppose that my ultimate question is: would it be better to purchase a strop like this (the price seems quite reasonable) or purchase an older, vintage strop? Is horsehide a better material?

Thank you, Jimmy. This was a helpful reply. I'll read that article on stropping. I actually have kind of extensive experience with stropping and straight razoring--none of it, however, having to do with shaving. I was a professional violin maker for a number of years(now an amateur instrument maker), and I used a lot of old straight razors. I would grind them into carving knives. I also stropped a lot of tools. I just have never stropped a razor and put it to my throat yet. I'm working on restoring two razors right now. I was also thinking of bidding on an old Merit horsehide/linen strop. Thanks again.

I have used/own/owned the following:

Illinois 827
Tony Miller 3" horsehide w/ linen
SRD Premium II
SRD Premium I
SRD Premium IV

Out of all of these, I like the 827 alot (it was my first strop but I like the draw very much), and the SRD Premium I once it broke in.

The truth is, I got virtually the same results out of all of them. I just like heavier draw. I haven't ever used the Mountain Man stuff, but I do know this: having a handle that is attached via hardware as opposed to sewn on to the strop itself will keep you from accidentally cupping the strop. The three inch MM or the two inch with "D" rings are the only ones I would consider personally. I have to hold my 827 just right so that I don't cup it.

YMMV as per usual.

-Rob

Mountain Mike's strops are a very nice piece of work.