Thread: What's your favorite strop material?

Originally Posted by fchan

Vote here on your favorite stropping material.

Post and tell us why you like it and what makes it the best option out there. Share pictures, links and information behind them too!

So , what's yours ?

Originally Posted by dave5225

So , what's yours ?

I've only had a chance to use English Bridle, so my opinion would be heavily biased

I originally started a thread to compare English Bridle to Latigo as I'm looking to get a new strop and those are my 2 options. It ended up being a better poll to post all the major options and see what the popular choice is here and why rather than Latigo vs English Bridle.

I love my English bridle. This is my third strop, and for me it's just awesome. It's a 3" with a 21" stroping area. I can't see myself trying anything else until it's cooked or I find an awesome vintage.

I have a bunch, and I like all of them, but there's a few that just stand out, and I use them often. In no particular order they are:

1. Kanayama Cordovan 90,000 (First one made with choice of stamps)
2. Tony Miller Steerhide (Has phenomenal draw)
3. Tony Miller Limited Edition Horsehide 3" (only 8 of these were made, and were not advertised) Draw very similar to Cordovan leather. Not your typical Horsehide.
4. SRD's Premium 1 (This is my favorite, go to strop, has a very supple feel to it.)
5 SRD's Long English Bridle.

I kind of lost my interest in Latigo some time ago. Too much draw for me. These days I like minimal draw. I believe strops and their draw are really personal preference.

I have several on Microtome strops. All Neil Miller leather. The Bridle with 3 coats of oil is super hard draw. Best to start with heavy blades/wedges. The bridle w/1 coat of oil is great all-around for a heavier draw strop. Both are like velvet.
I particularly like the feel of the European tallow tanned. Harder and firmer, yet pleasant to use. It feels as if it is doing something, and it surely does! Great for larger concaves! I always finish up my after-honing on a russet cowhide strop which I over-oiled a while back. Super light (and oils the bevel good!). I rub it hard with a towel before and after use. The oil is coming out and it is getting better! The towel is getting oily!
On a side note, I like different strops for different razors sometimes. Just like a particular brush for a certain soap. I am going to get another hanging strop. I like using them on heavier wedges. I think I will stay safe and get the lighter-draw bridle. JMO
Tom

Interesting, I never thought about how different strops work with different types of razors. It makes good sense though, the amount of blade contact along with weight of the blade will definitely affect the draw.

The biggest love seems to go for the Cordovan and the Roos but for my next strop its not in the budget. I'm going to try out that Starshaving OVB latigo though as it seems to be an excellent strop for the price


Maybe next round i'll try a Cordovan or Roo, but I'll have to be sure I'm ready for it. Accidentally sliced a couple ribbons in my strop this afternoon

I voted Cordovan, but I have 2 strops that I favor. The first is a Neil Miller Horween Cordovan w/real linen. 2nd is the SRD Premium I Leather with webbed material, and I'm not sure what leather it is, it's only described as shoulder leather. What ever razor I'm stropping determines which strop I use.

Regards
Howard

Zib;
I like your No 1, 2 and 4. 4 is also my go to. As you, so I also prefer a minimum draw, I get good results for me that way. Good post.
The best,
Tom

Okay, I can't choose two, so I picked Kangaroo strops. But I like my latigo strop as well, I like the resistance for my wedges. I really have no idea whether either one yields a better edge. But now you guys have got me thinking about Cordovan Shell strops now...

-dave

I went to our local tack shop and had them cut me a 3.5 x 28" piece of latigo harness leather; $8.00. Cut a handle on it and it works like a charm.