I have the red latigo and love it! I would say its a fine choice...and not a bad idea to get that replacement leather just in case...lol. I'm pretty sure I can safely say that we've all nicked our first strop :)
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I have the red latigo and love it! I would say its a fine choice...and not a bad idea to get that replacement leather just in case...lol. I'm pretty sure I can safely say that we've all nicked our first strop :)
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 use latigo all the time. Back when I started latigo was the bees knees, considered a top material. It would be a fine choice for a first, or only, strop.
Me too, One of my first premium strops was a Tony Miller Red Latigo. I still have and use it today. Lot's of draw.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ryan82
I never bought a beginner's strop when I started and I did ok, just be careful, and mindful when stropping. Concentration is the key. Practice on an old belt if you have too....
I bought the 3" red latigo for my first strop, and did nick it a couple of times, but it's a great strop. When this one gets too beat up, I'll replace it with another red latigo. I don't think you can go wrong with any strop from SRD--it just boils down to your personal preference.
My view of these things is to buy based on the qualities you like in the strop and by that I mean what tickles your fancy not the razors. They all do the same job if it's a quality strop.
I have the 2 inch black latigo which after all kinds of treatment I have turned into the draw monster! I love it and use it first before my horse butt strop. Cant go wrong with latigo!
My old strop was a 3" black latigo. It has seen its share of beauty marks.
The webbing is a good all around choice for use before the leather. Wool felt is great for diamond or CrOx sprays.
Well I got the 3" red latigo with the standard back strop and I have to say I love this strop. It seems to be a little more effective that the beginner strop I started with.
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.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by pinklather
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.
Yep, mine has a lot of character.Quote:
Originally Posted by jerrybyers
Dave
I have a 3" strop. Love it! Could never go back to anything less now.