http://www.westcoastshaving.com/American-Mountain-2-Strop-with-D-Rings-Mahogany_p_1017.html This is the strop I found its made in USA and has a great look and looks of quallity
Why don't you get a 3 inch wide strop instead? 2 inches is mighty narrow. You'll have to do some careful X-strokes on a 2 inch strop. I think the strop itself looks good.
The WalkinHorse brand is excellent and made in Georgia. I have two of them. They are horsehide, tough and with a fast draw. http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Walkin-Horse-3-Split-Side-with-Woven-Cotton-Strop_p_1912.html Straightrazordesigns.com has good ones to choose from as well. Tony Miller, in Maryland, makes great strops, Old Heirloom, Artisan and other "models". He still has some 2 1/2 inch strops available. http://shop.thewellshavedgentleman.com/
I agree that a 3" strop is a good fit for someone new to stropping. I started there and have since migrated to a narrower strop—but I'm glad I went with the 3" wide, initially.
I used a 2 1/2" strop for the first few years into this journey with much success. A while back I acquired the components of a 3" SRD strop, which I assembled myself, and have really enjoyed stropping with it. With a 3" strop you don't have to concentrate on getting those 'X' stokes right, that extra 1/2" makes a big difference!
I'm in my rookie season with a straight as well Ace and using a 2.5" shell strop. The x-stroke isn't a problem as it's a mild one and actually I'm appreciating the practice. I can see where a 3" could also be nice but I'd have my doubts about choosing a 2" hanging strop to learn on - seems like a bit of a full plate there IMO. Star Shaving looks to have some quality gear as well, and nicely priced too.
I went with a Star Shaving bench strop for my first strop. At 10" long, it is shorter then I would like but it works. As with everyone else, I'd shy away from a 2" wide strop for a first timer. You might want to take a look at the Illinois 127, its 2-1/2" wide and 27" long, a bit more working room then the Mountain Man, and on sale for at Sharpening Supplies... http://www.sharpeningsupplies.com/Illinois-127-Leather-Razor-Strop-P244C11.aspx
Interesting to hear recommendations for 3" strops. I've always liked the logic that a beginner is going to cut up their first strop, so make it a cheap one. I took that to heart and bought a piece of vegetable tanned 2" belt leather. Been working great...and I have cut the hell out of it. Just took delivery today of a Star Shaving 2" strop in English bridle leather. Nice strop, but I think I might get their 3" Big Daddy instead.
I don't agree with buying cheap as a beginner. I went for the best strops I could find. I still nick the strops but they are still useable.
…or get a bench strop. Inexpensive, well-made of quality material—and ideal for learning proper technique. I have one i use now as a ChrOx-pasted strop.
I think strops (and probably hones too come to that) are a lot like buying a pair of boots - get the best quality ones you can afford at the time and you'll be thankful later on... Again, Star has some bench strops as well (fer no much $$...again), and like Kevin said you can always use them as a base for compounds later on...
