Thread: To 3" or not to 3"?

Would you like to see the Straight Razor Design Premium Strops in smaller widths, or am I the only one? This poll is anonymous and just for my curiosity, and is in no way connected to SRD.

I've been reading a lot about strops lately because I am looking to upgrade from the one I have. It's a Tony Miller travel strop in horsehide and cotton and I have learned everything I know about stropping from it. It's a great tool and indispensable to my straight razor shaving career. However, it is short in length. Hence the travel designation. Enter SRD.

Their strops get excellent reviews from the most reputable people here. However they currently offer the Premium models only in 3". My preference is for the narrower width of 2.5", even 2" strops because I can use the whole surface with my X pattern. It's just how I've learned how to strop, making 3" widths feel awkward.

I know there are a few of you out there who prefer narrow strops as well, I'm curious if there is enough interest in it to convince our friends at SRD to perhaps offer their fine Premium strops in other widths.

I prefer the three inch myself, but I'd have nothing against SRD or any other vendor carrying a variety of sizes.

What holli4pirating said. I have two narrower strops, but I do not use them often anymore. My Premium I and IV are very, very good, and their widhts have something to do with it.

Can't really say whether SRD should or not, but I have a 2.5" TM & find it perfect. Prior to that i was using 2".
My only experience of a 3" strop has been homemade. It was ok, but I prefer the size of the TM.

The more sizes, the marrier.
It seems there would be a market out there for narrow(er) strops.

Personally I definitely prefer the 3".

Gentlemen:

Each in its own place.

I have an SRD red latigo 2", a red latigo 3" and a Bridle 3". Love them all. I also have a Tony Miller Premium Artesian 2" with linen and leather and a leather string for hanging.

The 2" SRD I use for the 4/8" and the 5/8" blades. The two 3" strops are for the 6/8" razors.

The Tony Miller 2" is for my travels. I am quite attached to this strop exactly as it is, and wouldn't give it up for the world.

I must admit, though, that slowly I lean toward 3" strops. When the 2" SRD strop loses its effectiveness, I will replace it with the 3". The Tony Miller strop, however, I will take with me into the next life — when I return into the 19th century.

Regards,

Obie

I started out with a 3" strop, but eventually have migrated towards 2-2.5" handleless strop, using x-strokes. The 3", imo are the easiest to use, but for variety or a bit more of a challenge, the narrow strops can be fun.

Mac

I have a TM Horse in the wider size and though it's fine I really like the narrower strops. It's all personal preference really.

I want 2 3/4

One of the beauties of leather is that one can trim it with the simplest of tools: A knife. A straight edge to guide the knife is nice, but a steady hand can do fine work. If the width of the strop is too great for one's stropping comfort level, all one has to do is cut it narrower. Bingo! From the once nearly perfect strop we've arrived at nirvana.

Life is good