Thread: Looking for an entry level strop

Another worth a mention is the Filly from RupRazor RupRazor - The Filly

Great starter strop, mine has done me well and when you nick it a quick rub down with some 1000grit wet and dry and your good to go again
Got a lovely silky draw and is a good size to learn the X stroke.

Get an Illinois, you'll still enjoy even when upgrading.

I don't think you'll be wrong with any strop they offer, i.e. from what I see there should be no duds. I don't like handles, and I like the 2.5" width the best, but that's just my own preference.

Hello, timvoet,
I'll second Glen's choice of the two Illinois strops, the Nos. 127 and 827. Of the two I lean toward the No. 127, but you'll do well with either one. Both are at 2.5-inch width, which I find ideal for a strop.

Hi everyone,

Thanks Glen, for the recommendations. those two illinois strops look good, but other than the number and the name, what would be the differences with the two? They look almost the same, the descriptions are pretty much the same. And why these two out of the bunch, is it because they are from a reputable source at a decent price?

Obie, what would make you lean more towards one than the other. I apologize if these are NEWB questions that you see day in and day out, but i'm trying to learn, as to properly help educate the next fool to come across these waters.

thanks

Tim

Hello, Tim,
The texture of the No. 827 is similar to felt. The No. 127 is smooth leather. Both are good strops, and worth the money, but I prefer the No. 127 for no other reason than the smooth leather.

Incidentally, both strops have the hard linen and stiff leather. With daily hand rubbing (before you shower) the leather becomes supple and with good draw. I no longer have my No. 827, but the No. 127 is a keeper.

Originally Posted by Obie

Hello, Tim,
The texture of the No. 827 is similar to felt. The No. 127 is smooth leather. Both are good strops, and worth the money, but I prefer the No. 127 for no other reason than the smooth leather.

Incidentally, both strops have the hard linen and stiff leather. With daily hand rubbing (before you shower) the leather becomes supple and with good draw. I no longer have my No. 827, but the No. 127 is a keeper.

Tim, this is where you learn the term YMMV much of our hobby here is personal opinion, is isn't right or wrong, or good or bad, it is just how it feels in your hands
My opinion is the exact opposite of my good friend Obie I like the #827 better, because of the feel of of the draw of the Russian finish, or the Nap of the leather, rather than than the smooth side of the #127...

Either strop will serve you fine and that is really all that matters ain't it great that we still have these choices...

+ 1 on the Filly from RupRazor.