Looking for an entry level strop

Hey everyone, i'm a somewhat new member to the forums. I've been reading alot, and lurking in the surroundings, but only recently starting contributing.

I'm a DE shaver, who has been interested in Straight Edge shaving since before i started with a DE, but wasn't brave enough to jump straight into the SE world. I'm in an selection poor environment, meaning there are virtually no selection for any wet shaving products in my area, used or new.

I was lucky enough to win last month's second prize, which included a nice Straight Razor. I am not looking for a strop for it( whoever said that wet shaving would save you money must have been drunk ).

Here is what my criteria are:

• entry level (not too expensive)
• minimal maintenance ( i have 3 kids under 5)
• easily enough available ( shipping won't cost an insane amount)

My usual supplier for wet shaving stuff is Fendrihan, Classic Wet Shaving Store, they have a good selection, but I have NO IDEA what i should be looking for, or what the differences are.

You guys are the best references i figured i could find, so what would you suggest. I'm fine from ordering from elsewhere, if the shipping doesn't exceed the price difference by too much.

It doesn't need to be new, if used, i would still want it in good condition.

thanks in advance.

From their site in Canada I would snag up the Illinois #827 or #127, either one is a proved performer (IME) and won't break the bank... Plus it they have a real linen component which seems to be lacking it most "Starter Strops"

Outside of Canada the selection increases but with shipping and duties I don't think you can save money

I would do what the Tiger said.

One more thing, if you guys don't mind answering. What should i be looking for, and how to tell the difference between "the gems" and "the duds".

Some of the things i can figure out ( preference when it comes to handles vs D-rings ), hanging vs paddle. but what is the difference, and how to tell between similar categories.

thanks for helping an enthusiast learn the basics.

In strops? It is like most things - to me it is basically about quality. Quality of materials, quality of build, quality of useability. Research on the various leathers used in strops can help - just look around the strop forum, have a read of the Wiki, see what the respected manufacturers use (and who they are). It will not take long to figure out the good from the bad.

James.

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.

Quote:

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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.

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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... :rofl2:

I have an Illinois 206 -- narrower and shorter than the 827. It works fine.

This isn't rocket science. You need a piece of reasonably supple leather with a hook and a handle, preferably with a cloth strop included. With that -- no matter what color, what surface finish, what width, what length -- you can keep a razor sharp.

"Personal preference" is important, but you won't know your own preferences until you've tried out a bunch of strops over weeks of use. So pick one, buy it, and learn to use it.

Charles (Richmond, BC)

Hi Glen,

I am already aware of the YMMV term, and have lived it during my conversion to a DE. My regular DE is a Merkur 38C, a long, heavy razor, which i prefer. And then there was the blade selection, what works, what doesn't.

My questions aren't necessarily to find out what's best ( because i'm aware that alot of it is preference). Its more about finding what makes a good one, what the differences were, and what to avoid. Since straight razor are new to me, as well as stropping/honing razors. I sharpen and hone my own knives, so i understand the principles behind it, but the materials were always "tougher" since the knives weren't A) coming anywhere near my face, B) anywhere near as delicate as a straight razor is.

thanks again. From the advice, and comments, i think i'll be ordering the 827 ( as i think i'll prefer the drag to the extra smooth ),

I have the 827, and for a long time it was my only strop. I still have it and use it.

+ 1 on the Filly from RupRazor.