Thread: cordovan shell strops

I've never had a Kanayama. I do have the Tony Miller 3" premium steerhide and it's my favorite cowhide strop. The Tony Miller has a great smooth, light draw for cowhide. If you want anything lighter you have to go horsehide or shell cordovan.

You can buy a Walking Horse Shell Cordovan strop at The Superior Shave, when he has them in stock. I understand that the only U.S. tannery producing shell cordovan or horsehide is Horween in Chicago. The shell cordovan strops are hard to come by and it's a matter of checking The Superior Shave website frequently. When he does get them in they go fast. Last time he had them in stock I purchased a 3" version, although there were some 2" versions in stock. It is an amazingly light draw.

If you like a light draw you may be happy with a regular horsehide, which is lighter than any cowhide. Both Walking Horse and SRP have horsehide strops made from Horween hides. You'll get a very light draw for less money than shell cordovan. Only you can decide whether the shell cordovan is worth the premium over regular horsehide.