Thread: cordovan shell strops

Hello guys,
I am somewhat amused by the famed kanayama strops and some other cordovan leather strops that command big prices.
I am wondering about their performance and how they differ from other strops. my go to strop right now is a 3 inch Tony Miller Steerhide.
I understand that the kanayama storps have lighter draw.

are there any vendors selling high end cordovan strops right now? or do I need to hunt a vintage one?

Thanks
Dan

I don't know who is carrying Kanayama right now. JimR was but stopped months ago. He said QC was not up to par on some of them but still up to par on the higher end strops. Anyway, you might shoot him a PM and ask. I had a 90,000 but sold it because it cost too much for me to feel 'safe' stropping on it. Then months later, I bought a second hand 80,000. Same strop set but standard length. The 90,000 is a few inches longer. I like the standard length better since it is what I am used to. Anyway, the Kanayama strops use a cordovan that is unlike any I have experienced and I've gone through a lot of strops, new and vintage. I don't know if it is better in terms of the final outcome but it is sure is a beautiful strop. Kind of like a VW will get you to the same destination as a Mercedes but I'd rather be in the latter.

KANOYAMA Kanayama Cordovan Razor Strop 600mmX66mmX3-4mm

@JimmyHAD: Thanks Jimmy. I did see JimR's rather dramatic post about how they stopped Carrying Kanayama strops.
right now I am looking for performance in a strop can't really afford the last word in luxury.

@Fierce30rus: Thanks for the link buddy, are you sure it is a genuine and reliable cordovan strop?

Unfortunately I can not give 100% guarantee of authenticity. But some guys from the Russian forum bought there. All of them are happy.

Dan, don't jump on the first thing that comes up. Let some other members weigh in. Kanayama has a large variety of strops. They are separated in quality and price by a numbering system. A "3" is at the extremely low end. Maybe a great strop, dunno. I know I've seen guys who were very happy with a #30,000. Here is a 30,000 that rasurpur has been carrying and it is in stock. A few more bucks but might be a lot more strop. They are on vacation until August ..... pop up on their site ..... but they say it is in stock @ 157 euro.

Thanks for letting me know Jimmy, I was not about to jump on the strop, Just surprised to see the price was reasonable because I was unfamiliar with the numbering system.

[/QUOTE] @Fierce30rus: Thanks for the link buddy, are you sure it is a genuine and reliable cordovan strop?[/QUOTE]

That is indeed a genuine Kanayama strop. They are marketed under many names. That particular in the link comes with
a suede secondary which is an amazing piece of leather for stropping before turning to the cordovan. As you read around here always a light palm rubbing on the cordovan keeps it perfectly.

Keep in mind all quality strops do the same job. No matter the critter or the finish. The difference is in how you feel about it and the luxury mindset. Also they will have a different feel as you use them as well as when you look at them.

I have a #3 and its a fine strop.

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.