Tony Miller Horsehide/linen surprise

I have been using a regular old Illinois leather/linen strop for many years with no complaints. Nice smooth edges. Nice smooth shaves. Saw a member post up his Heirloom on the classifieds and decided to give it a try. I wasn't expecting much improvement, just a nicer strop.

After two days, I have to say I am really surprised at how much difference a strop can make. The only thing that I changed was my strop. Same soap, same number of laps. Two different razors, same results. Incredibly soft, smooth shave that was clsoe enough to feel a very slight razor burn.

I have read for years as some of you have extolled the virtues of a good strop and I thought it was all in your head(s). I am now a believer and wish I had not waited so long.

TM makes a beautiful strop. I got mine last Christmas and have fallen in love with it. It has a perfect draw for me. You are not alone admiring his work. Glad you got one.

I love the Latigo leather that he uses even though it leaves dye on the spine, but it's a very small tradeoff for using the quality tool. My next strop purchase will be from him.

I've had mine for about a year now and still love it. All the others are just dust collectors now.

My first and only strop has been Tony's Latigo and Linen heirloom, and I didn't even nick it up much! I actually gave it to my then 16-year old son for Christmas when he/we first got into str8's a few years ago, but guess who strops all the razors around here? Not sure how I'll replace it when he leaves for college in a month. I'm thinking another TM or the SRD modular paddle strop.

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Originally Posted by kelbro

I have been using a regular old Illinois leather/linen strop for many years with no complaints. Nice smooth edges. Nice smooth shaves. Saw a member post up his Heirloom on the classifieds and decided to give it a try. I wasn't expecting much improvement, just a nicer strop.

After two days, I have to say I am really surprised at how much difference a strop can make. The only thing that I changed was my strop. Same soap, same number of laps. Two different razors, same results. Incredibly soft, smooth shave that was clsoe enough to feel a very slight razor burn.

I have read for years as some of you have extolled the virtues of a good strop and I thought it was all in your head(s). I am now a believer and wish I had not waited so long.

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The neil miller is also an excellent strop. Looks like the millers have something special.:)

A BIG vote from me on a Neil Miller. I got one just this week and can not believe the difference it makes. True craftsmanship and does more than I ever expected it could. Neil must be sick of me thanking him, but what the hell. Thanks neil :)

My Tony Miller premium steerhide, which is his current production, is my favorite cowhide strop. The craftsmanship is outstanding and the draw amazingly light for cowhide. If you want a lighter and smoother draw you'll have to go to horsehide. I wish I had gotten one of his earlier latigo or horsehide strops. I check his website regularly because at some point he'll come out with a different strop which I will definitely get.

A few years back I got Tony to make a triple component strop for me. A horse/latigo/linen. For a time I did 50 linen, 25 latigo and 25 horse. I find the draw on latigo , by any maker, too much for me. I like the horsehide very much. A bit of neatsfoot on it, a very little bit, and it is perfect for my stropping preference.

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Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

A few years back I got Tony to make a triple component strop for me. A horse/latigo/linen. For a time I did 50 linen, 25 latigo and 25 horse. I find the draw on latigo , by any maker, too much for me. I like the horsehide very much. A bit of neatsfoot on it, a very little bit, and it is perfect for my stropping preference.

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If you think Latigo's much for you, you should try the vegan strop lol The trick is to control the pressure.. You get used to it after a while.

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Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

A few years back I got Tony to make a triple component strop for me. A horse/latigo/linen. For a time I did 50 linen, 25 latigo and 25 horse. I find the draw on latigo , by any maker, too much for me. I like the horsehide very much. A bit of neatsfoot on it, a very little bit, and it is perfect for my stropping preference.

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I was VERY lucky and actually got the first one he ever made... Absolutely amazing strop !!!

Heres some pics I took when I first got it
http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...tri-strop.html

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Originally Posted by ScoutHikerDad

My first and only strop has been Tony's Latigo and Linen heirloom, and I didn't even nick it up much! I actually gave it to my then 16-year old son for Christmas when he/we first got into str8's a few years ago, but guess who strops all the razors around here? Not sure how I'll replace it when he leaves for college in a month. I'm thinking another TM or the SRD modular paddle strop.

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Same as my son, gave him my vintage blade latigo, ended buying him a feather artist club, no stropping for him now! Double O

I can't believe someone would sell their TM horsehide/linen strop . They must have been drunk :D . You really got lucky !

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Originally Posted by dave5225

I can't believe someone would sell their TM horsehide/linen strop . They must have been drunk :D . You really got lucky !

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Been waiting on that one to pop up on the classifieds for a long time. Usually check in right after the good deals are marked SOLD :)

Where can a Tony or Neil Miller strop be purchased? It appears they are very scarce but is there a website that we can look at least?

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Originally Posted by drmatt357

Where can a Tony or Neil Miller strop be purchased? It appears they are very scarce but is there a website that we can look at least?

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There you go!!

The Well Shaved Gentleman The Heirloom Razor Strop Company
www.strop-shop.co.uk - hand made straight razor strops, razor pouches, shaving accessories, vintage razors, razor honing and restoration

Here's a link to Neil's:

www.strop-shop.co.uk - hand made straight razor strops, razor pouches, shaving accessories, vintage razors, razor honing and restoration


and here's Tony's:

The Well Shaved Gentleman The Heirloom Razor Strop Company

Guys:

In my personal case I have just two strops: 1) Kanayma 2) Tony Miler. I just can't stop talking good details about the tony's one. 3 inches wide, about 17 1/2 inches long very soft leather, nice cotton on the back as a second piece . The leather is very thick and it smells better tha any woman in the world. And those are BIG words. Try one. In regards the Kanayama nobody can say anything wrong about those, the only detail is that they are not in production but hey if you can get one, just get it.
Theirs no a better combination in terms of strops than that one. Kanayama and Tony Miler one.
Thanks
K

Winner winner, chicken dinner!!!

I am on the current waiting list, and I cant wait! Thru emails Tony seems to be a real gentleman, and very willing to answer all your questions.

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Originally Posted by Zeus

I am on the current waiting list, and I cant wait! Thru emails Tony seems to be a real gentleman, and very willing to answer all your questions.

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He absolutely is !

He takes "pride in your craft" to a new level.