Thread: First Strop

Can anyone recommend a good beginner's strop? I've read that it's best to get an inexpensive strop to learn on, but there seem to be a variety out there, some with fabric, some not, some synthetic. Any advice on a brand or vendor?

That advice is out there... however, I highly recommend starting with a nice strop. An Illinois 827 can usually be found for close to 40. For not much more you can get an SRD 2.5" latigo. Nice thing on the srd strop is that the leathers are replaceable so even if you do nick it up too much you can replace just a piece and still not be out much money. If you're stuck on the idea of a cheap strop one of the poor man's strop sets or beginner strop from whippeddog isn't a bad choice. Don't forget to check the classifieds, too. You never know what you may find over there.

The ONLY thing that is cheap about The Filly (http://ruprazor.com) is its price @ $22... it is 22" long and 2" wide. It has a med. draw that gives you excellent feedback. Do not let the price fool you!!

My first strop was the poor mans strop from whippedogg and it worked rather well.

Originally Posted by tfrod

My first strop was the poor mans strop from whippedogg and it worked rather well.

+1 to the poor mans strop kit (PMSK) Larry at whippeddog.com is a member here, and he focuses on getting new guys into the wet shaving groove. He will help with everything, and his customer service is top notch as well. Definitely a high recommendation!

+1 on the other advice, I assume your new, so chances are the strop will get nicked, cut, etc...buy an inexpensive one to learn. Once your comfortable doing so, then you can upgrade to a nicer strop.....

BTW, There are some excellent vids on stropping here....

I have a beautiful 3" strop from starshaving.com that was fairly inexpensive as well. I liked it best because it was 3" wide AND inexpensive. Give the big daddy a look.

Good luck!!

I am with the Filly from Ruprazor, had mine since January, had a few nicks in it that are very easy to sand out, good size (teaches you the X stroke) nice drawer, NICE PRICE!!

As I stated earlier, I'm normally more of a fan of the nicer strops, but someone has a good deal in the classifieds right now...

Originally Posted by tfrod

My first strop was the poor mans strop from whippedogg and it worked rather well.

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+1 on the strop from whippeddog. I got a cheapy from Larry and treated it very lightly with black Dovo paste and it turned out to be a good refresher strop at mid-shave. 5 laps and I'm back shaving again. I find I only need to use it once a month or so but it does work when I have the need to refresh a pesky edge. Most of my edges nowadays are anything but pesky.

Contact Larry Andro to get one of his economical strops. He specializes in helping new guys............
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