Thread: Too expensive strops

I think the biggest difference in strops is the feedback. I bought my first Horse Hide strop about 1 1/2 months ago and it "told" me that I was only making contact with the blade on my "return" stoke only 1/3 of the time! I never noticed it before. So I had to adjust my stropping technique and now I'm getting better edges.

Having different strops gives you options. My stropping routine changes a lot. Right now I like 3" horse hide on hollow grinds and 2 1/2" english bridle and steer hide for 1/4 hollows-near wedges smiling blades.

BTW when I first started I was only going to buy 1 strop, 8 months later, i now have 7.

Just buy a strop from a reputable strop maker. I personally like IRS because they have been making razor strops for over one hundred years. They were making strops when straight razor shaves in barber shops were the standard, and they are still making strops for the profession. I don't see how you can go wrong with them.

Originally Posted by Neil Miller

My father's friend had a Rolls Royce and a Mini - go figure.

Regards,
Neil

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Originally Posted by ledemon

I have a cowhide strop that cost me like 30 dollars a few months ago. I just didnt want to spend 80 dollars or more in a russian leather or english bridle strop. For those who own cheap and high end strops, do you really notice the difference between them?? I mean can you really say: "wow this english bridle strop makes me have the most comfortable shaves, I´ll get rid of this cheap strops I have "????

Of course I am going to say "yes".

This thread sort of tans my hide. But I keep thinking of someone calling the stropping experience of a particular strop 'delicious.' Like Birnando called his scuttle 'beloved.' This is a part of straight razor shaving that is unknown to me and I am glad of that. So the next time I mention my Red Imp I'm going to call it frisky. What is most important to me right now concerning strops? Who made it.

Darl, is the Timex still tickin'?

Originally Posted by Tarkus

This thread reminds me of my father who always gave me crap for buying expensive watches. He would say my Timex keeps the same time as your pricey trinkets. But I got the last laugh when he passed away I buried him wearing my Tag Heuer.

Originally Posted by WW243

Darl, is the Timex still tickin'?

Har!!!!
Oh no it wasn't a trade by any means. I giggle over it to this very day.
For him being the typical Philly blue collar hayseed, wearing my Tag.
It was worth every penny to do it.

Buy Pre-Owned. You can have both!

I'm just now getting to a competent level in stropping and destroyed two fine pieces of leather in the process. My difficulties have been well chronicled in this forum. I still have a Tony Miller horsehide and an SRD kangaroo strop that I won't touch until I convince myself that my slashing days are over.

Based on my experience, I'd recommend starting out on a cheaper one, and then get your Cadillac after your skill set is in place.

Originally Posted by ledemon

I have a cowhide strop that cost me like 30 dollars a few months ago. I just didnt want to spend 80 dollars or more in a russian leather or english bridle strop. For those who own cheap and high end strops, do you really notice the difference between them?? I mean can you really say: "wow this english bridle strop makes me have the most comfortable shaves, I´ll get rid of this cheap strops I have "????

It depends if you're the kind of person who would prefer a balanced & blueprinted motor over a standard vehicle. I would but it's cheaper to buy an expensive strop.