Beginner Strop

Hi guys,
I'm in the market for my first strop, and I'm planning on getting one from TM. He's got some dark bridle and light steerhide, the bridle can be up to 2 1/2" and the steerhide up to 3". I'll also be getting one of his practice strops. Just looking for some guidance, suggestions, advice, etc. What would you have preferred to start out with, what is your preferred leather and width, etc? I've been digging around in the forums and I've found a lot of differing preferences, and I'm sure anything I get from Tony is going to be great, but I'd just like to know which way the winds of SRP wisdom would blow.

They all feel different but that's about it as far as performance goes. You should get what you like but it's a conundrum that you don't know what you like until you have tried many different types. It's like the old can't get a job without experience but you can't get the experience without the job. Now no smart alecs talking about volunteering or interning to get experience. Maybe someone would let you try their strops.

Might I suggest that you ask Tony how much draw the starter strop has and then request that the other strop be just the opposite?

Just an idea, :)

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Originally Posted by mkbolivianwonder

What would you have preferred to start out with, what is your preferred leather and width, etc? ... but I'd just like to know which way the winds of SRP wisdom would blow.

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Well I'll tell you what I would have preferred to have started out with knowing what i know now but please... don't consider what i say as SRP wisdom lol!! :)

I don't think you can go wrong with either! Ha! How's that lol? Seriously, if you are starting out, you have to try a bunch of stuff to figure out what you'll like!

I started with a 2," and that was a good thing for a couple of reasons. One, because 2" strops are cheaper so when I cut threw it, it wasn't as cost prohibitive as if I got a wider strop and Two, because it forced me to learn the x-stroke better than a 3" ever could have. And being my first hone was a wee 2x6 stone - that helped!

But now I LOVE my 3" Roo strop. It's just so... simple. And it covers the entire blade for a full stroke if I like. Perhaps the 2.5 would be a great place to start... a kind of in between type deal. I hear the guys here loving on their 2.5's all the time.

Either size - I am sure you'll love the new strop - congrats!

Thanks for the feedback guys, I'm leaning toward a 2.5" strop.
@thebigspendur actually I did borrow a strop from a friend who has decided to grow a beard over the next few months. Now if I can just find someone else to borrow from and see if I have a preference between the two, that'll be a start..
We had a death in the family, and that has postponed my strop purchasing plans, but hopefully I'll be getting one here really soon.

One thing to keep in mind you will cut your first strop. I agree with the suggestion to get a smaller strop, build your technique then graduate to a nicer strop.

When starting, we want to do things 'right' - buy the right gear, use right techniques, etc. The gear has all the elements that dazzle the eyes of any male with a pulse. I'm certainly no exception. If I could start from scratch again, I'd put 90% of the thought and energy into learning technique/skills. First razor, first strop, first soap/cream - will all look very different in a few months. Of far more value are the skills. I would put a fair amount of this energy into finding an experienced user in your area and hooking up for some tutorial time. It'll shred your learning curve and give a fast lane to shaving joy. With this skill and experience, all the gear questions will look different, and you'll have more knowledge to bring to your choices. If possible, get w/ members that will let you try their gear. That way you can feel what the differences are like without having to spend a bunch. Should your travels bring you near Portland, OR - hollar. Come over. Try gear. Watch/try techniques. You'll be glad.

Anybody know anything about strops from Folk's Barber College in Seattle. This one is 2 1/2 wide x 24 long. Top of leather strap a symbol in Russian w/ Russia Shell stamped under it. Its an oldie - no handle on the bottom. Canvas(?) side pretty well worn but the leather side still seems supple and looks like it can be restored to some semblance of use. At bottom of leather side the college's name and in a diamond shape 165A.
All information gratefully accepted.

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Originally Posted by Razorfeld

Anybody know anything about strops from Folk's Barber College in Seattle. This one is 2 1/2 wide x 24 long. Top of leather strap a symbol in Russian w/ Russia Shell stamped under it. Its an oldie - no handle on the bottom. Canvas(?) side pretty well worn but the leather side still seems supple and looks like it can be restored to some semblance of use. At bottom of leather side the college's name and in a diamond shape 165A.
All information gratefully accepted.

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I couldn't find anything on the college but a map. My suggestion is to start out with a Big Daddy 3" Strop from Star Shaving. It's a quality strop, it's the cheapest ($36.88), and if you cut it up you can get replacement leather for $21.50. When you master the art of stropping you can get a more expensive model.

I love really love stones for honing my razors that are really long and wide.
It makes putting a nice and easy to put a even grind on the razor that I have to go with
the big daddy strop.

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Originally Posted by mkbolivianwonder

Hi guys,
I'm in the market for my first strop, and I'm planning on getting one from TM. He's got some dark bridle and light steerhide, the bridle can be up to 2 1/2" and the steerhide up to 3". I'll also be getting one of his practice strops. Just looking for some guidance, suggestions, advice, etc. What would you have preferred to start out with, what is your preferred leather and width, etc? I've been digging around in the forums and I've found a lot of differing preferences, and I'm sure anything I get from Tony is going to be great, but I'd just like to know which way the winds of SRP wisdom would blow.

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Sounds like you already are pointed in the right direction. A practice strop along with a better quality strop is a good idea. Honestly, I'd say yank a seat belt out of a junked car to develop your technique. They tend to be 2" wide. Grab a hold of a less than premium razor and go to town on it. Get those mistakes out of the way before your first few accidental bad strokes cut into those nice new strops. The horror of slicing your strop is lessened when it's just junk that you aren't too attached to.

Rhythm and consistency are key.

I like the idea of a practice strop. I believe someone already mentioned the possibility of you cutting it. That's what I always think about when it's someone new. As far as preferences, Only you'll know once you become proficient. You may like more draw, you may like less draw. Narrow or wide. It's hard to say. I'm not big fan of heavy draw. I like Horsehide, and the Steerhide you mentioned. Good luck.

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Originally Posted by Kenrup

One thing to keep in mind you will cut your first strop. I agree with the suggestion to get a smaller strop, build your technique then graduate to a nicer strop.

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Totally agree - do not learn on an expensive strop.
Buy an inexpensive, imported strop or an inexpensive, vintage strop on ebay.
Once you can work it without taking biting/nicking it, then get the strop of your dreams.