Thread: Old Traditional Natur

Every once in a while, something crosses your path that forces you to redefine certain known boundaries.
Meindl hiking boots, KitchenAid mixers, AustroFlam G-series woodstoves, Smartwool socks, the Cohiba Robusto, ...
So does the "Old Traditional" strop. One stropping session on this remarkable tool opened up an entire second class of strops to which it instantly directed all other strops I've met so far. It just is that good. Not because of craftsmanship, which is excellent by the way, but so are several other brands. Not because of fancy hardware, for it has no fancy hardware. Not for an outstanding linen side, as there is no linen at all.
The single reason why the "Old Traditional" disparages all other strops I know, is spelled L E A T H E R.

But let's describe the strop first. This strop was named "Old Traditional", because a very old and rare German strop of exceptional quality was used as a prototype for this strop. It has brass pivoting hardware to attach the strop to every conceivable type of hook. Elegant and durable. Usable surface is 42cm long, width is 6cm. These dimensions offer an excellent compromise for a large stropping surface with acceptable ergonomics. Bigger becomes a bit bulky in my hands, but that's obviously a personal preference. The total length, hardware included is 71cm.

The handle is of the type that's shaped into the strop itself. Before you close this review in disgust, allow me to point out that I never really liked that "handle" solution, as I considered it to look and feel cheap and flimsy. Not so on the "Old Traditional". The leather handle is sandwiched between two thick pieces of hard leather, very well sewn and treated with shellac. The resulting handle is as sturdy as comfortable and allows to keep the strop taut without any cupping.

The leather is thick (about 3.2 mm) and supple. The edges are very cleanly cut, yet not beveled as seen on one other high end strop.

There is no linen attached to this strop. I consider this a misjudgment. I find the use of linen essential: in my experience a good linen has its own ways to restore performance on an edge that was pushed through abrasive stubble during the previous shave. Furthermore it is rumored that linen effectively removes oxidation and small loose metal particles from the edge and stores it safely into the depths of its fabric. Both entities could otherwise become stuck in the surface of the leather and in the long run compromise the fine finishing qualities of the leather strop. An old theory, where I adhere some truth to. Therefor, I feel that a fine strop like this one, deserves its own linen part. Meanwhile "Old Traditional" users must do with whatever linen - or poor ersatz for that - they have on another strop.


According to the vendor, a long painstaking search led to the (re)discovery of the right leather and the right treatment to produce a strop with by far the finest and most equalized surface I have ever stropped a razor on. I can imagine this review may sound a bit like a commercial, but the difference with other strops is really that big.
I was told these strops are produced with artisan methods. That's about all the guy who makes them on order for The Different Scent is willing to share about them. The leather has a hazy surface that reminds me somehow of nubuck. It produces a distinct agreeable draw, completely even along the entire length of the strop.
It is impossible not to become lyrical while describing how this strop feels. It is almost as if the strop gently takes over the razor and starts to match your pressure and speed. There is no second guessing whether you apply too little or too much pressure on "Old Traditional", as its stunning feedback leaves no ambiguity in that field.
Stropping a razor on this strop is truly a very agreeable experience for all senses. It is the only strop where in my experience all applicable parameters are in perfect tune with each other.

The only way I can think of how to assess the kind of edge refinement that a strop can offer, is to probe the edge with a HHT after the hone and again after stropping it for the first time. Comparison between 4 very different strops (varying in leather treatment and species) literally reveals the "Old Traditional" to have "an edge" over the others. I was absolutely not in the market for another strop when I met the "Old Traditional". €79 is not exactly cheap for a strop with no linen, but stropping on this little miracle of German Perfection is rather suasive.
As with all high quality strops, it takes a few weeks of use for a new one to reach its full potential. Rubbing the strop with bare hands helps this process. This review was written after trying both a well used and a brand new "Old Traditional". As far as I know, this strop can currently only be purchased at "The Different Scent".

Just uploading some pictures of this amazing strop.