Tony Miller Strop question

[zplug123]

I've just gotten through with my first shave, face is still intact despite a nick or two...now just have to worry about getting my strop. I'm eyeing the Latigo Hanging Strop from Tony Miller, but I'm interested to know how his strop with no handle can be used...any ideas? :smile:

http://shop.thewellshavedgentleman.com/product.sc?categoryId=21&productId=1

[Lucius]

You just hold one end with your fingers. I've been using the practice strop I got with my D-rings. It can get a little uncomfortable after a while, but it's no big deal.

[mparker762]

Grab and pull. That style of strop was a common barber strop.

[jlander]

Grab and pull. That style of strop was a common barber strop.

+1

[loueedacat]

Veering slightly off topic, do people generally prefer the metal rings or the leather handles on those strops? I'm leaning towards the rings just because I suspect I'd end up mauling leather handles, but what do you guys who actually own these things think?

[jlander]

Veering slightly off topic, do people generally prefer the metal rings or the leather handles on those strops? I'm leaning towards the rings just because I suspect I'd end up mauling leather handles, but what do you guys who actually own these things think?

Personal choice is leather handle (it's on a metal D ring). Gives me a more confident, comfortable grip. That's me.

[Mike_ratliff]

I've always used a D ring, I imagine the leather handle would be nice also.
plain or handleless is prone to cupping on almost all strops I've used, so I'd say go for the upgrade and get some sort of handle.

[Chady]

Have two different strops, one with a metal grab thingy (the dovo version of a D ring). And another with no handle nor ring from a Japanese manufacturer. I greatly prefer the one without but this is due to the quality of the leather and not sue to the type of grip.

If I get around to getting a third one It will probably be one of Tonys with a D ring as I like the idea of supporting good people who bring new stuff to the community.

[kca]

I think it's really a matter of personal preference. I ended up going with the handle and it works great for me. I don't think you can go wrong either way especially given the excellent quality of Tony's strops.

[Big_E]

Tony Miller's strops are great. I like the ones with no handles ok. They let you know just how hard you are pulling on the strop.
Ernest

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/Gordo_Ruckus/junk/P3200008.jpg

[papasmurf]

Tony Miller's strops are great. I like the ones with no handles ok. They let you know just how hard you are pulling on the strop.
Ernest

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b396/Gordo_Ruckus/junk/P3200008.jpg


You beat me to it I just took a picture of mine to show here :lol:

[netsurfr]

I have an older strop from Tony that just has the D ring but am thinking I would like the handle. Makes it easier to maintain pressure.

[Tony Miller]

Netsurfr,
We do now offer various upgrade sets so you can add handles, etc...to our older strops.

That photo really is an old one. We have not done the numbers models for quite a while now.

Great illustration on how to hold a no-handle strop.

Tony

[asbjorn]

Netsurfr,
We do now offer various upgrade sets so you can add handles, etc...to our older strops.

That photo really is an old one. We have not done the numbers models for quite a while now.


How long time?, I have "1" on my.. with D rings though.. for which I'm ordered the handle upgrade. I think handles would feel better than the D-rings.. I dunno yet, but I think so..

[zplug123]

Well after a little thought and feedback, I've just decided to go with Tony Miller's starter strop. Maybe after honing my skills (no pun intended) will I go for the bells and whistles. As much as I've heard only positives about his work, I only wish there was a canvas strop to go with this, though is it necessarily important to have both leather/canvas?

[jlander]

Well after a little thought and feedback, I've just decided to go with Tony Miller's starter strop. Maybe after honing my skills (no pun intended) will I go for the bells and whistles. As much as I've heard only positives about his work, I only wish there was a canvas strop to go with this, though is it necessarily important to have both leather/canvas?

While I like a Linen/Canvas strop, it isn't necessary. You can use denim or heavy cotton as a cloth strop if you feel you need it, but many don't use them at all.

+1 on the TM starter. You will be happy with it.

[Tony Miller]

We do have a Leather/Canvas "Original" on the bench now for around $49.95. These will be back next week.

We stopped doing the "numbered" models last July I think and went with names instead as everyone though a #2 was second best, not just a different design <g>

Tony

[asbjorn]

We stopped doing the "numbered" models last July I think and went with names instead as everyone though a #2 was second best, not just a different design <g>

Ok, so it was only designs?

[Tony Miller]

Asbjorn,
Yes, no major differences on any models other than design.

Quick history here:

Our first strop was a simple no handle 2 1/2" x 24" from an oily Red Latigo. I gave it model number "2" simply because a "1" looked too skinny <g>. About 6-8 months later we started making designs with a single Dee ring at the bottom from the same leather and since it was fancier I did go with the number "1". Same leather though. Later we added the straight strap handle and started offering top grain horsehide as a second leather choice and a natural tanned "Honey Brown" leather as a third option. Last July we decided to separate the leather and linen at the bottom by using two Dee rings with strap handles. By late summer I went with separate contoured leather handles and instead of folding the ends of the strop leather through the hardware I added separate ends. At this point we started using names...Paragons with folded ends are sold by my dealers, Artisans with end caps are sold directly.
These are still basically the "#1" from the past, just refined a little. The old "#2" design became our "Original".

Tony

[asbjorn]

Ah, cool. And I think I can see why you separeated canvas/linen and leather, on my strop, the linen is a bit longer than the leather, as if it is a bit stretched (I think it is linen, it is white, and have an brown thread at each side, about 1cm from the end), So I think it will be great with the handle upgrade on it. (should be possible to attach an extra canvas to it also, but hey.. :D )

[Tony Miller]

Asbjorn,
That is exactly why we went the separate component route. My basic "upgrade" kit should give you what is needed to add a separate Dee to your existing strop and correct the stretch/shrink issues with the old canvas.

Tony