Thread: Kenrup's El Toro "Strop"

From Kenrup: "The El Toro is made from 7-9oz cowhide tooling leather. The strop is ready to use, no break in is needed. All hardware is rust resistant and durable."

I acquired the 2 ½” X 18-20” leather only strap at the Asheville, NC meetup. Kenrup donated the strap for the event. Thanks!

Can I choose where the photo attachments show up in my post? Anyway, I also received another strap which I believe is the Filly. From Kenrup: "The Filly is a starter/practice/travel strop. It is made from 7-9oz cowhide and it is ready to use. The only hardware is a grommet for the hanging thong. It will roll up nicely for travel. It is also is a great strop to develop your stropping technique. It is available in one size, 2”X 17 – 18"

However, both straps are the same length, as you might be able to tell from the grainy photos. Kenrup was nice enough to pre-apply white paste to the wide strap and green paste to the narrow strap. The quality of the leather is superb. It has a bounce to it, and a very nice feedback while strapping. I have another nice strap from another well-known maker to compare with, and I would not be able to tell you which is better. The El Toro responds to my razors' edges so well that I instantly know if the edge is not getting consistent pressure along its length as the leather has great feel and clear sound. I prefer the 2 1/2" over the 2", but I cannot tell any difference in leather quality.

The reverse sides of the straps are rough but soft and consistent. I have had no issues strapping on the pasted sides

The only improvement I could think of would be to have a leather guard pad separating the metal fasteners from the rest of the strap on the front as it is on the back. I strap too quickly and had to be watchful not to flip my razor over on top of the fasteners.

I passed along the 2 1/2" to a friend who I am helping learn to shave with a straight. I wouldn't have parted with it for money, so don't ask for my 2" El Toro

Thanks Kenrup!

That looks like really soft leather. Hows the draw?

Originally Posted by tjiscooler

That looks like really soft leather. Hows the draw?

Easily felt. I didn't condition or dress the strap, and my half hollow blade drew a lot of smooth friction from the smooth side of the El Toro.