Advice on strops

[filobiblic]

Wow, a bit quiet in this section of P&C...

For those of you who shave with a straight, for a beginner (or reflecting on your own start) which of these strops would you suggest:

Option A: Cheap
This strop ain't pretty but for US$15 (+ postage) it's worth learning on...
> Bottom line: Leather is leather and you'll slice your first strop

Option B: Functional
This strop will work just fine for A$50 (+ postage). Local company so faster ship time is nice.
> Bottom line: Is it really a step up in value for money?

Option C: Quality
This strop will caress your razor straight to sleep... For US$104 (+ postage) it's the most exy, but look - it's on sale!
> Bottom line: Niiiiiiiice. But don't cut me!

They all say "Get the best you can afford" but is it necessary if I'm likely to cut it to ribbons?
Will I cut my strop as a beginner?

Throw your thoughts my way please!

 

[possumbelly]

I got a rich man strop from The Whipped Dog. Not a luxury product but seemed like a good quality starter without going overboard. Still finding my straights a challenge so this strop had suited me fine for now.

 

[Johnus]

Which ever one you pick, my suggestion is to first practice with a very dull razor or a butter knife. This way you'll have soon muscle memory to fall back on went you use the real thing.

 

[Ybbor]

I just use a dovo from mens biz. The cuts I gave it while learning I just sanded out. I used fine sandpaper and rubbed on the leather evenly. Now it works fine and is nice and smooth.

 

[filobiblic]

Thanks @possumbelly , @Johnus and @Ybbor for your comments.
I think I'll get a moderate cheapie. That way, I can practise and not be afraid to learn. I'll want to ramp it up and get a better strop in the long run. Seems like most shavers have a few strops - just like everything else in shaving!

 

[borked]

Actually, don't discount Kangaroo.
I've heard good things about it and intend to experience that first hand one day.

 

[filobiblic]

Actually, don't discount Kangaroo.
I've heard good things about it and intend to experience that first hand one day.

Thanks for the suggestion. I've only seen a kangaroo strop on Straight Razor Designs in US. Haven't seen one in Oz but assume there should be plenty around. Heard they are thin with a light draw.

 

[Johnus]

On the kangaroo strop, I believe that I bought one from a forum member here about a year ago. Very nicely made, yes, it is thin and has a light draw.
Worth adding to a collection.

 

[filobiblic]

On the kangaroo strop, I believe that I bought one from a forum member here about a year ago. Very nicely made, yes, it is thin and has a light draw.
Worth adding to a collection.

Thanks Johnus.
I ended up buying an 'entry level' strop. I'm going to cut my teeth on it and really learn Stropping well.
After I have much more experience of straight shaving under my belt, I'll be in a better place to try a few more quality strops. I'll also know what to look for and what i might like.