What the better choice for a beginner?

Ok, so I have done a bit searching before posting this but couldn't come up with a solid answer to my question. I have (or so it seems) limited choices of strops at the moment unless ordering one from abroad where, let's face it, the possibilities are staggering and somewhat daunting for a freshman. I've narrowed might criteria down to 3 high quality strops. Now I know people say buy a cheaper strop for your because you will damage it but I want the best for my razor(s). So I'm looking at a 3" dovo extra wide single side only ($140) a dovo 1.75 double side leather canvas ($84) or a dovo 2" double made from russian leather ($129). I've read things about 3 inch strops curving and the smaller ones being harder to use for those than have never x stopped before. I hate buying stuff only to get on the forum with an issue and everyone says "well you probably woulda been better going this way".

Thanks in advance

You could spend half as much and your razor will still thank you. As long as the strop is quality it will work the same whether you spend $60 or $160. But, if you spend the big bucks and you muck up the strop remember, we told you so.

If I were you I'd get a modest piece to start.

well so far $64 is a the cheapest single sided strop I can find with $84 being the cheapest double from memory. unfortunately prices here in Oz differ greatly from america. I could get a custom made one with all the bells and whistles for $108 from US but it would take a month to get here.

Thanks for the advice, I'll try and find some decent cheaper ones here.

I agree with thebigspendur, I bought a 3" Big Daddy and couldn't be happier. The strop wasn't as expensive as most but really performs well. You will put some elbow grease into it breaking it in but it is a nice strop.

The question is, do you feel like spending big money again if you damage your first strop? Consider a less expensive strop and spend the leftovers on some soap samplers!

Best

Thanks champ, I keep running into road blocks with availability of cheap strops being sold out. I don't know anyone who custom makes them here otherwise I may go that avenue. Our store stock is all dovo, GF or cyril R salter that i have seen and its quiet pricey

I have to agree with Wisker.. I also tried the Big Daddy strop in English Bridle. I've spent four times as much on strops and have to admit that none are really "better". They (starshaving.com) also sell replacement parts quite cheaply if you nick it badly. I think you'll find it worth the shipping wait.

rs,
Tack

ok ill look into it, Jimbo has my razor at the moment so i won't be needing anything for at least a week or two anyway.

thebigspendur has the right idea, you will cry less when you nick up your basic strop.
Suggest that you add a paddle to your options, IMHO they are easier to master.
And if you opt for a SRP modular you can change out that nicked surface for a fraction of the cost.

Good luck and Happy Shaving...

why not buy a piece of scrap leather and practice stroping and when you feel comfortable then invest the money in all the bells and whistle strop !

I love a 3" strop, but you can certainly get the same results with a narrower one, and for less money to boot. For you, I would say pick the one you like best. And remember that if you take your time stropping you'll be a lot less likely to nick it up than if you rush. You could also practice with a butter knife or something dull until you feel comfortable.

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Originally Posted by eleblu05

why not buy a piece of scrap leather and practice stroping and when you feel comfortable then invest the money in all the bells and whistle strop !

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Or a sheet of newspaper cut up in 2" or 3" widths. Connect one end to a bulldog clip & practice away.

I got a narrow Dovo leather/canvas as my first stop. It's not too bad, I think I paid about 120 from The Shaver Shop about two years ago. I nicked it once and it still has a nick on the side but that doesn't bother me. A while ago I got a nice Neil Miller 3" English Bridle/ Linen strop. In comparison to the Dovo it's huge. I reserve the Neil Miller for Sundays as it's so nice. The Dovo is a good size for the bathroom, which is quite small. Here's a comparison:

Attachment 127520

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Originally Posted by TonyFranciozi

You could also practice with a butter knife or something dull until you feel comfortable.

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I agree with TonyF here. I practiced with a butter knife for a week or two at first. I still have one small nick in my strop, but it would have been much worse if not to the practice.

Good luck to you.

wow that comparison is crazy! thanks heaps for that. theres so many things i never thought of trying. this place is world of knowledge

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Originally Posted by azazel

wow that comparison is crazy! thanks heaps for that. theres so many things i never thought of trying. this place is world of knowledge

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You know, the comparison also makes one consider other aspects. I normally do 30/70 linen leather on the Dovo. But when you consider the width and esp length of the Miller strop in comparison, 30/70 on the Miller would probably be equal to 30% more stropping; the razor is in contact with a stropping surface for MUCH more.

My son has used his leather trousers belt for stropping for about a year. I made him bring his razor round for me to hone it the other day, as it hadn't been honed for way more than six months, probably closer to nine. It was in surprisingly good condition. He has a very sparse beard like me, though, so I guess it gets less work to do. That's why it's really hard for someone to give really clear advice about how often to strop/hone etc. One really does need to work out what works for you and stick to it.

Carl

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Originally Posted by azazel

Ok, so I have done a bit searching before posting this but couldn't come up with a solid answer to my question. I have (or so it seems) limited choices of strops at the moment unless ordering one from abroad where, let's face it, the possibilities are staggering and somewhat daunting for a freshman. I've narrowed might criteria down to 3 high quality strops. Now I know people say buy a cheaper strop for your because you will damage it but I want the best for my razor(s). So I'm looking at a 3" dovo extra wide single side only ($140) a dovo 1.75 double side leather canvas ($84) or a dovo 2" double made from russian leather ($129). I've read things about 3 inch strops curving and the smaller ones being harder to use for those than have never x stopped before. I hate buying stuff only to get on the forum with an issue and everyone says "well you probably woulda been better going this way".

Thanks in advance

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Get a 3" strop so you can strop back and forth rather than learn the more difficult X pattern. Get one from Star Shaving for less than $40 because you might slice it up learning how and the quality is fine. (I have a really nice SRD strop and a Tony Miller strop that I'm waiting to use until I get better at stropping.)

Here's an example of how to strop properly. I could choose among several videos recorded by the members here but I'll list one so you won't be overwhelmed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mj5YliQQzg

That's a great video! because so many show you to turn the wrist or twist in the fingers and its always looked as an awkward motion. guys spot on, so smooth. looks like im ordering from overseas then :D

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Originally Posted by CaliforniaCajun

Get a 3" strop so you can strop back and forth rather than learn the more difficult X pattern. Get one from Star Shaving for less than $40 because you might slice it up learning how and the quality is fine. (I have a really nice SRD strop and a Tony Miller strop that I'm waiting to use until I get better at stropping.)

Here's an example of how to strop properly. I could choose among several videos recorded by the members here but I'll list one so you won't be overwhelmed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mj5YliQQzg

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SPOT ON VIDEO!!! I've never seen it explained this well - makes sense!

Managed to find a belt maker who has blank leather sheets who made me a strop for $20! Its pretty much a blank piece of leather with a couple of clips but does the job

I just use a Illinios 127 strop.. It works well. If I want an exxtra efort ii will,roll up a newspaper... I have the dovo also and have found it to be so small I can't get a decent stroke one it,even though I like the leather...too small.

That was a great video.

I have heard of people getting a belt blank from Tandy and making a strop from it here too.

More info......

Straight Razor Stropping for Beginners - YouTube

Have fun