Big Daddy strop questions

[Shave Ready]

Does anyone know the differences between the two versions of the Big Daddy bridle leather strops?

Chestnut: http://shop.starshaving.com/product.sc?productId=110&categoryId=2

Burgundy: http://shop.starshaving.com/product.sc?productId=73&categoryId=2

Also, how does the wool felt component compare to cotton or linen? Would it benefit from the Dovo white paste, or is it better left untreated?

 

[Alum of Potash]

Burgundy vs. chestnut, the surface is allegedly the same apart from the stain color. It's the black surface that's a little bit coarser. Felt is perhaps best used in lieu of a barber's towel, or if pastes are to be applied, then the diamond slurries from Star Shaving might stiffen things up a bit. Personally, I would cut the felt down and glue it to boards if using the diamond stuff...

[rant] All I know is that they recently stopped making the "Big Mama" at 2-1/2" wide, and that's a crying shame. Nothing wrong with a little old-fashioned X-stroke guys! I recently had to special order a black surface Big Mama as a prep strop, and I was lucky at that. Bring back the Big Mama! [/rant]

 

[TheLegalRazor]

I always leave the second component of my strops unpasted. You always need a clean cotton, linen or wool component to strop on daily before stropping on leather. Star Shaving also sells an inexpensive bench strop that you can get with either balsa or wool. These are ideal for pastes or sprays.

Over the years I've used wool, cotton and linen for a second component and never noticed a difference in the resulting edge. It's the same with leather. Different leathers have different draws, but draw has no effect on the resulting edge. Strop on whatever leather and second material you prefer.

The Chestnut Big Daddy was my first strop and it is an excellent value. The Chestnut and Burgundy are both bridle, so they'll likely have a similar medium draw. The Black is latigo, and will likely have a heavier draw.