Thread: Too expensive strops

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 "????

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

Regards,
Neil

Originally Posted by Neil Miller

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

Regards,
Neil

Them Mini (Austin) are a real blast to drive! the Rolls is boring...........

Well, both a Mini and a Rolls will take you where you want to be. If your cheap strop brings you to a fine shave, I really don't see the point in spending the extra $50.
That being said, I have a great looking Scruppleworks strop. Buying this and not a cheaper one was really not necessary though.

Originally Posted by Neil Miller

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

Regards,
Neil

Gentlemen, my friend Neil speaks gold.
I have several high end strops, including a Neil Miller shell cordovan, plus a couple simple Illinois brands. They all do the job to various degrees. But then stropping on the Illinois is not quite as delicious as stropping on the Neil Miller shell cordovan.

Originally Posted by Obie

Gentlemen, my friend Neil speaks gold.
I have several high end strops, including a Neil Miller shell cordovan, plus a couple simple Illinois brands. They all do the job to various degrees. But then stropping on the Illinois is not quite as delicious as stropping on the Neil Miller shell cordovan.

But again.. Is there a noticeable difference in the shave when stropping with a High End or cheaper strop?? I suppose the shave could be the same, but maybe a high end strop will keep the edge of the razor sharp for a longer period of time??? Id be nice to experiment on that... maybe Ill do it once I pull the trigger for a high end strop

Originally Posted by ledemon

But again.. Is there a noticeable difference in the shave when stropping with a High End or cheaper strop?? I suppose the shave could be the same, but maybe a high end strop will keep the edge of the razor sharp for a longer period of time??? Id be nice to experiment on that... maybe Ill do it once I pull the trigger for a high end strop

Ledemon, some gentlemen will say there is a difference and some not. The proof will be in your hands. If you feel a difference, then you should select your strop accordingly.

Objective evaluations of the merits of a strop are of a unavoidable subjective nature. Further compounding the issue, is the reality that certain metals are worked more agree totally with certain stops. Paragraph Ultimate Lee the burden falls upon the user Who alone can determine the quality of the leather utilize. Paragraph Important point is to have fun in the process.

As I've often said, as long as it's a quality hunk of leather the result is the same no matter what it costs or the critter it comes from. Of course the quality part will cost you a minimum amount right there. So what do you pay for above the basic quality? Size, hardware,type of leather, handiwork and labor. What are the other benefits of getting a higher end strop? it looks like a million bucks and makes you feel like a million bucks when you use it.

I question what constitutes a "High end" strop. Just because a strop looks good is no predictor, to me, of performance. Nor is price. I use an IRS #361 cowhide strop that some might consider to be less than high end. IRS strops are fairly inexpensive, and not much to look at. But should my 361 need replacing, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another, and another.