I'm going to be purchasing my first strop. I'm looking at the Illinois 127 and 827, as they came highly recommended. I know the 827 is a Russian finish. Out of these two what do you guys like better and why. Also I'm open to other suggestions too.
The 127 will have a medium draw, and the 827 will have a heavier draw. I'd also recommend you check out this: https://heirloomrazorstrop.com/shop...rsehide-plain-vanilla-strop/v/3PlainHorSmooth It's Tony Miller's cheaper horsehide strop.
He had 1 in stock when I posted it. He updates his site about once a month. I suggest you email him (his email service has issues replying to @hotmail accounts) or contact him on Badger & Blade, either via PM or on one of his vendor threads. https://www.badgerandblade.com/forum/forums/heirloom-razor-strop-co.293/ If you can't wait, either of the Illinois strops will serve you well. Edit: I've never owned a Tony Miller strop, but I can say I've never heard a bad word about them, Tony, or his customer service. I can't say the same for Illinois.
A little word of advise. The first strop you buy will usually get cut up, accidentally, while learning techniques. I have seen several people try to learn stropping on expensive strops, and it usually doesnt end well for the strop. My first strop was and is an Illinois 827, which was recommended by many who are more learned than me with Straight Razors. I took my time, and nIcked it up, a couple of times, but not too bad. I practiced my speed techniques with a cheaper unbranded strop. That one was cut pretty bad. Destroyed. That was quite a few years ago. Don't waste your money on an expensive strop, before you learn the basics. A well made inexpensive strop will help sharpen your razor just as well. My original Illinois 827 is my every day strop, and I have stropped hundreds of different razors on it, that I have honed. It is still going strong.
I've put one tiny nick in one of my strops, when the razor slipped in my hand. Other than that, I've never ever cut a strop. *Knock on wood* Mindfulness is key, and repetition until muscle memory sinks in. Speed comes later. I also practiced on a piece of denim I cut from an old pair of jeans and laid flat on the edge of a countertop for a good long while before my razors ever touched leather, and when I did switch to leather, I practiced with a butter knife first. I'm the exception, apparently, rather than the rule. It goes without saying, but I'll say it anyways... Don't drink and strop, or smoke a bowl and strop.
To everyone saying "don't buy an expensive strop for your first strop," let me remind you that none of the strops mentioned in this thread thus far are over $55, and that includes the Tony Miller strop. Geez. Edit: yes, there are cheaper strops. Most of those are not worth the material they are made of. I have a $35 strop. I use it for knives. The creases in the leather make it unsuitable for razors. You've got to draw a line somewhere.
I'm there with you. I still have the first strop I purchased (and my only strop). Fortunately I'm pretty coordinated and have only one very minor nick on the linen side, no nicks on the leather. Why is it never advocated to practice with a butter knife? Just curious.
I have no idea. It certainly was when I started my straight razor journey many years ago. I thought it was still a common recommendation. If it's not, it certainly ought to be. Edit: that may be the reason so many newbies hack up strops. They weren't told to practice with a blunt object first.
Oh, it's been told for as long as I remember. But, accidents happen. Wet hands, oil on tang, poor designed razors, stropping too fast, etc.
Alright guys I made a purchase and received my strop today , check this puppy out , I got this for 30 dollars on eBay. It's a brand called guarantee barber supply co philly pa.
coming from an experienced beginner, somehow, by accident, I did everything he said. all great advice. it does not take that long to go from beginner to experience with those techniques. imo
I would love to post a picture of my first Nick. unfortunately the first Nick led to the end of that strop LOL. it was a fairly expensive and heartfelt tragedy. I felt it was best to put it out of its misery instead of out to pasture
