Thread: Strop Shop

I was gifted a strop with my first razor and it is very cheap and my face has paid the price. I'm asking the legion of SRP for recommendations. Any good brands? Do I need to go to a shop? Can I get it on amazon? Any insight would be great. I've had good luck so far with this site. Lots of men willing to help a newbie....much appreciated.

I use Star Shaving Supplies leather strop. They are not as expensive as most strops but they are good quality after you break them in. As a beginner I nicked my strop several times but Star sells replacement leather and the strop is easy to disassemble and repair. Check out thier website here Home Page.

Buy some neatsfoot oil and read about breaking in a strop here on the wiki.

Best

How much have you used your existing strop? Is it enough where you are past slicing the strop as you use it? If so, I'd recommend SRD's Kangaroo Strop. I've had it for a year and absolutely love it. In fact it is the only strop I use at home (I do have a small paddle for travel). If you have yet to progress to where slicing isn't an issue I'd look at (or make a paddle strop). They are easier to use and harder to slice.

Originally Posted by Silents

How much have you used your existing strop? Is it enough where you are past slicing the strop as you use it? If so, I'd recommend SRD's Kangaroo Strop. I've had it for a year and absolutely love it. In fact it is the only strop I use at home (I do have a small paddle for travel). If you have yet to progress to where slicing isn't an issue I'd look at (or make a paddle strop). They are easier to use and harder to slice.

Well the strop I have now has one side that is natural color thicker leather and hard as a rock. The other side is black and highly processed leather. This is the side I have been using. I truly am very new to this.

Originally Posted by SGTZIMM

Well the strop I have now has one side that is natural color thicker leather and hard as a rock. The other side is black and highly processed leather. This is the side I have been using. I truly am very new to this.

Yes you use the highly processed side. Just take it nice and easy and focus on keeping the blade flat on the leather. Use no pressure other than the weight of the blade.

Another recommendation for SRD's 'Strop Shop.' Now some might think I recommend SRD because Lynn is the founder of this forum, SRD is a big supporter, and I am a moderator. That is a good enough reason but, has nothing to do with it. Go to SRD and you'll find the broadest selection of strops, of different hides and characteristics available in this shaving market.

They don't need to have all of these choices. Lynn is so into the 'sport' of straight razor shaving that he has pushed the envelope to try all of the known strops, and is making them available to us too.

Click on any of the different strops and you'll find a description of stropping characteristics. Draw, fast, medium, slow. It's all there and whether it is horse, kangaroo, English bridle, latigo, they carry it. That is why I recommend SRD.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

JMO but using x strokes on any strop is the best way to strop.be it a two inch or 3.

Or, a heal leading stroke up and back and gives the same effect. Just easier to learn and use since its near a natural motion when stropping. But, too each his own. I respect your opinion!!

Best Regards,

Howard

Another fine option is also in the OP's title. Give a look a Strop Shop UK. Neil Miller is a fine member here and hand crafts some excellent leather/fabric strops in many varieties.

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Another fine option is also in the OP's title. Give a look a Strop Shop UK. Neil Miller is a fine member here and hand crafts some excellent leather/fabric strops in many varieties.

Indeed Sharptonn Neil Miller leathers are simply the best. He is a true master at his craft. And the coolest cat around!!!
You wont be disappointed.