Thread: Where to buy a 3 inch strop

Anyone recommend a place to buy a 3 inch (width, of course) strop? Since I'm new and still learning, I'm really looking for the best price on one that is decent. Wouldn't want to destroy a really nice/expensive one in the process.

I've seen the ones at SRD, which I'm sure are great, but a little pricey for this stage in the game.

I like the ones at Star Shaving, but I've read some recent communication/delivery/demand problems with them (see earlier thread in this forum).

Anywhere else that you know with good prices?

Though I haven't used them personally, whippeddog.com has gotten really good feedback here. I think he's got reasonably priced strop kits. Although the 3" may be more expensive.
FWIW, I started with a 3" strop such that I wouldn't have to bother with X pattern, but I actually found my little 1.75" a little easier to use. Everyone's different though...

Thanks for the reply. I'm familiar with whipped dog as well, and his 3" strops are more expensive. I already have a 2.5" Illinois strop, which is working pretty well so far. I think a couple of people have said that they prefer the smaller strops. So, do you now use an X pattern? Is there any other way on a smaller strop?

Yeah I do the X pattern, which I guess is different for everyone, but for me seems to work well. I found that I was pushing too hard on the bigger strop cause I felt like all of the edge wasn't contacting the strop.

Originally Posted by MBR1965

Anyone recommend a place to buy a 3 inch (width, of course) strop?

Like Highlander, "There can only be One!" In this case, it's Tony Miller strops, available through his website -- The Well Shaved Gentleman. I have one of his 3" strops (red latigo and horsehide), and much prefer it to a 2-1/2" width -- I don't want to lose my focus on the sound-and-feel of proper pressure and correct contact because of some "X"-stroke ritual, and a 3"-wide strop lets me do so. I bought it from his website during 9/2008, for $116 (+ S/H).

Smooth shaving!

I've heard good things about the Tony Miller strops- they must be right because his website says that the 3" strops are backordered (3 1/2 week approx.)! He also is out of town for a few more days (and has been for a while I think), so the backorder may actually be more than that. It's a good recommendation, though, and I'll probably check with him in a few weeks to see if he's caught up; by then, I may actually be ready for a strop that nice! Thanks!

I'm also new and was looking for a 3 inch "beginner" strop. I spent some time on Tony Miller's web page but was still concerned about paying for a good quality strop and then nicking it up. To my surprise Tony posted a lot of 13 pieces of what he called "3 inch Plain Vanilla Strops" suitable for beginners for only $33. It's made of the same Hyde as his full priced Artisan stops but without a second cloth strop. It comes with all the same hardware and Dee rings only. This was my perfect solution so I scooped one right away. At the same time I ordered an Artisan with leather handles (it's hanging unused until I learn on the plain vanilla one). If you send him an email and ask if he`s making any more plain vanilla strops you might get lucky. I posted some pictures here. Plain vanilla on the right.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/strop...ved-today.html

Have 3 SRDs, they all do a great job on my razors. I especially like the modular paddle and the webbing on my hanger. Lynn, is there a web for the paddle?

Originally Posted by GAP

Have 3 SRDs, they all do a great job on my razors. I especially like the modular paddle and the webbing on my hanger. Lynn, is there a web for the paddle?

Only the scrub leather right now. Been working on trying to get a webbing where the ends won't unravel.