Have any of you used this brand and size strop? Your impressions are appreciated. 3" Heirloom "New Standard" Artisan Strops $79.00 My Artisan™ models are my best strops and this one is made from my 7 to 9oz. Heirloom™ Red Latigo Cowhide or my Smooth Butt Section Horsehide (+$17.00) with either Smooth Cotton, Genuine Linen (+ $16.00) or Smooth Horsehide (+$45.00)) second components. These feature contoured leather handles (I will include a set of DeeRings too free upon request). 29" overall with a superwide 3" x 17 1/2" stropping surface. Wide strops like these have become the "new standard" over the narrower, more traditional designs as no X-pattern is needed when stropping. Full stropping instructions are included. The Latigo offers a well rounded stropping surface and the higest amount of draw of all my strop models and the horsehide would be a low draw surface fine for finishing or as a second strop. An inexpensive "second quality" practice strop to learn on is available as a $7.50 option with this model. http://www.shop.thewellshavedgentleman.com/main.sc
The maker, Tony Miller, is a member here and his strops are about as highly regarded as it gets. I've never read a single word against anything Tony makes. I'd certainly have one if I hadn't found a good Japanese one.
I am thoroughly pleased with my Tony Miller latigo strop. It has nice feedback and is so smooth and so well built. There are strops, and there are Miller strops. When you see it and use it you realize it is something special
When I saw the website and his work they just really impressed me. The workmanship jumps out at you. It looks like they are well worth the money. I like the three inch ones so you can strop straight back and forth. Thanks for letting me know what I need to get pretty soon
I have a couple of his strops, the apprentice model which mine is just a piece of red latigo leather (no backing) that itself is top notch leather, it is I believe 2 1/2" mine is an older model with just a drawstring at the top the newer models have a D ring, the draw on this one is a little lighter then my other TM strop but as it is only a few months old I suspect it will get more draw to it, for someone who don't use linen/cotton for about $45 you get an excellent strop that could be your main strop. My main strop is a TM #1 red latigo and linen backing 3" with D rings at top and bottom I have had it for over 2 years now the draw on it is relatively heavy which is perfect for me for a main strop, it still looks almost brand new it has been treated about 2x so far with the leather conditioner Tony supplied, I also have a $10 starter/practice strop that in itself is a great strop it is I believe horsehide but according to Tony a second not up to his standard hence the price, the draw is extremely light. Tony's Red Latigo leather is ideal for stropping just the right amount of draw, his regular horsehide strops while more expensive are a very light draw, imho good for a 2nd or finishing strop but not ideal for a main strop. If you get a strop from TM he uses the same leather in the apprentice and cheaper models as he does in the top of the line 3 handled model, TM sells only quality. I also have a 2 sided TM paddle strop I use with Diamond Paste and another brand of strop streich-reimen but the TM strops out perform it easily I don't think you can get a better strop then a Tony Miller from my experience or from the other shaving boards, also if you have noticed some of the newer strops that are coming out now are copying TM strops quite obviously.
My opinions will mirror those that came before me. Tony Miller's strops are hands down some of the best strops you can buy. He's a pleasure to deal with and produces quality strops. You won't be disappointed with his work if you end up purchasing a strop from him.
You guys have sold me! It is a bit of money for a strop but after looking at them closely and from what everyone is saying it will last forever so I'll take the plunge when he gets back online. He's closed right now making new stock. Thanks all!
Wow, thank you all for the kind words and reviews. This is as much hobby as it is business for me so I am picky about what I offer. I should be back again very soon. Just needed some catch up time and am fighting off a cold. Take care, Tony
Tony, I'm sold! After I recoup from buying razors etc later this month I'm sure ordering one of your strops!!!! Phil
He takes every Sunday and Monday off. All his stuff is hand made, so he needs to take time to, well, make it, and he is very devout so he takes Sunday off--that's why you will see the shop closed a lot. He closes it when he takes the day off.
I will also be ordering the 3" Red latigo with linen and the practice strop , toward the end of next week.
Great strops , I have one in almost every model...still haven't tried his Vegan strop though... Great leather and craftsmanship, Tony knows strops
I just got a 3" red latigo heirloom strop last week and included the practice strop. I use the linen side of the strop (haven't used the latigo side yet) and let me say that even the practice strop surpasses my expectations thus far. Highly recommended.
I've bought one of his 4 sided strops 2 yrs back and it's never failed me, still looking and working good. Tony rox
