Thread: Black Latigo?

I too recently got the red (thanks Don great shop by the way). When I first started using it the draw wasnt really very noticeable, but after a little use it is starting to come through. That made it easy to transition from the premium 1 paddle to the hanging strop.

Originally Posted by pinklather

Curry, I've only used the Premium 1 from SRD, but I think its a good choice for a number of reasons. The two approaches that have a strong case are: 1) buy cheap, you'll brutalize it and 2) spend a little more for one that has reasonable prices on replacement components. I think both approaches are quite reasonable.

Latigo has a heavy draw. Some don't like this, but opt for another material for reasons I'm not sure are sound. Ease of stroke isn't the objective, a well maintained edge is. A number of experienced users and at least one honemeister, first use a heavy draw strop (such as that latigo or the Illinois series), then a light draw strop such as most of the premium SRDs. I started using an Illinois before the SRD premium 1, and the edges have been noticeably better. So even if you have a latigo and get another one at a future date, the high draw of a latigo could have a strong place in your toolset - using before the lower draw strop of your choice.

The 3" width. I avoided them, 'cause each one I tried gave issues w/ cupping (longitudinal warp), where leather doesn't stay flat across the width - either edges are raised or the center is raised. I can't speak for the SRD latigo, but the Premium 1 has stayed totally flat, and impressed me alot. If anyone can make a 3" width in Latigo and have it stay flat, I'd bet on the SRD. Plus, if it doesn't, as you say - replacements are reasonable and don't have to be latigo.

It sounds like you can't go wrong w/ either approach. A beater blade with the edge dulled, would be a great practice tool for learning the stropping. It won't give you the fine detail of the stiction or suction a fine edge develops while stropping, but that will come later. Initially, keeping only enough pressure to have all of the edge remain in contact, and mastering the all-important flip at the end of a stroke is the first objective. The finest thread I've seen on learning was from Glen's 3/11 beginner's tips thread.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...ch-2011-a.html

Best of luck w/ your plunge into the best shaves there are.

I have a black latigo, and a red latigo. The black latigo is cupped like you have mentioned, the red one isn't but it's newer & maybe it's just a matter of time? Other than that, I think they work quite well.

After straight razor shaving for 6 or 7 months, learning firstly to shave right, I come to strops. I bought a very expensive dovo inch and a half two sided strop, that in it's life of 6 months, I have just about wrecked with nicks etc.. So I looked at on line retailers and to find a 3 inch strop you need to part at minimum of about $140.00. After receiving reliable advice, I checked a US site 'Star Shaving', who send to Australia where I am. I ordered a 3 inch two sided black latigo strop, of apparently verified by a fellow aussie quality as being good stuff. I paid $64.00 including premium post from the US. I am certain the other retailers (SRD etc) do very well, but, I'm sure to damage this one too, but it's specs, pics and reviews make it a $64 'test' investment. I was given this site by a fellow SRP member who I trust a lot. Check it out, or wait till I get it for a review. Bobski

The biggest problem with 3" strops cupping is because of the length, the shorter they are the better when it comes to 3", also the thickness of the material, if it is a good solid 3-4mm thick this will also help.

Originally Posted by jerrybyers

My old strop was a 3" black latigo. It has seen its share of beauty marks.

Yep, mine has a lot of character.

Dave

I have a 3" strop. Love it! Could never go back to anything less now.