Thread: 3" Heirloom Artisan Genuine Horsehide Strop

Just wanted to give an update on TM's strop. I've now been using this strop intensively for the past 4 months. Let me first start by saying I live in Vegas which is one of the lowest humidity and hot climate cities of the US. The strop is hanging in my bathroom against the wall. In those 4 months I never really had to use any conditioner or neatsfoot oil. I only rub the smooth horsehide with my hands once in a while. As to the suede nap side. I just used a suede brush every so often and a few swipes with clean washed hands. The strop still performs exactly the same as the day I bought it and it's been a joy to use.

Great review. I have one of Tony's Latigo strops and it had proven to be of the highest quality. I didn't THINK I needed another strop....

I'm a newbie. I need a strop (razors are on the way -- Bergischer Lowe and a Micarta). I can't think of any logic to buy a "starter" strop and then a higher quality one later other than to reduce your investment if you decide straight razor shaving is not for you. In my case I've been using a straight razor for many years that took cartridge blades. Just never really realized conventional straight razors were available as an option (yea, odd. It's in the newbie section). So I'm in. I'll be ordering a strop tonight.

Tony has the 3" horsehide with an option to replace the smooth cotton with the red latigo. Am I correct in thinking this to be the perfect combination? Red latigo first then finish with the horsehide?

(why would I want a practice strop? ...I don't have a practice razor)

Quick,

unless you have been stropping for a while and have some kind of stropping experience I would suggest for you to buy TM's apprentice strop or at least add the practice strop option to the more expensive horsehide strop combo. The reason is very simple. You will nick, cut or destroy your brand new expensive strop if you have no prior stropping experience. As much as you think the opposite it will happen.
As to the Red Latigo. Yes, I would personally choose the Red Latigo instead of the smooth cotton together with the smooth Horsehide. That way you have a heavier draw of the Red Latigo and the super smooth Horsehide draw. Both leathers will give you all the stropping joy you need but add the practice strop option. It's worth the extra $7.50. Again, I don't know what your experience is with stropping in general.

Thanks! (practice strop option added).
[edit] went back and added the apprentice strop too... got to have something to travel with right?

I think I may have to pick up one of these horsehide combos. They are spoke of so highly. I think that it might need to be added to the collection........