Can you recommend a good inexpensive beginner strop?

[PaulL]

Just got my first straight. I'm sending it out for honing in tomorrow's mail.
I have read that I have to strop it 30 - 50 times before each use, so I guess I'd better get a strop.

Since I am just a beginner can you recommend a basic strop that's fairly inexpensive? I've seen them on eBay for about $20, but would like to have some advice from you guys.

Paul

 

[dannywonderful]

The Filly from Ruprazor. $20 including CONUS shipping is probably the best deal you'll find on a beginner strop.

 

[JPM]

I don't have one myself, but I've heard a Filly is a good choice. You could also buy a good Tony Miller and then get the practice strop for an additional $8, althought I think Tony is on vacation for a bit.

 

[Moe]

I have just started straight shaving and have a Rup Razor Filly. I like it a lot for the price.

 

[Kyle Hyde]

I also have the Filly. I like it, but I don't have anything to compare it. One really good thing about it is that it is really easy to sand the nicks out. I'm glad I got it as my first strop because I have already nicked it a bunch of times.

 

[Leche]

The Filly from Ruprazor. $20 including CONUS shipping is probably the best deal you'll find on a beginner strop.

This one.

 

[netsurfr]

+1 on the Filly

 

[Sputnik]

Another +1 on Filly from Ken!

+1 on the Filly

 

[treydampier]

I am familiar with every one of the strops mentioned and they are all good choices.

 

[honed]

Another +1 on Filly from Ken!

And plus yet another!

 

[Disburden]

the filly from ruprazor. $20 including conus shipping is probably the best deal you'll find on a beginner strop.

+1

 

[luvmysuper]

+2

Filly

 

[auk1124]

I just received my Filly strop today. Never tried a straight but I bought the strop so I guess I will have to get a straight now, to go with it. Super fast shipping, package included a hand-written note of thanks from Mr. Rupakzrzjbiloskzoxvrgy himself, seems like a nice piece of cow carcass for twenty smackers.

Now I just need to figure out what the hell one does with a strop, and buy a razor.

 

[Moe]

You are fortunate to get your strop before your razor. Now, watch some YouTube videos, and get a butter knife or something similarly dull, and start learning to strop before you get the razor that can cut the strop or be dulled by improper stropping.

 

[Tony Miller]

You are fortunate to get your strop before your razor. Now, watch some YouTube videos, and get a butter knife or something similarly dull, and start learning to strop before you get the razor that can cut the strop or be dulled by improper stropping.

+1 on that for sure ! Don't learn on your good strop

The Filly is a great starter choice in my opinion as well.

Tony

 

[Robust2]

What about European beginners? The filly has an extra 14$ shipping, which makes it quite a lot more expensive..
Any european strop makers that are worth considering?

 

[California Cajun]

Is it better for a beginner to have a 3 inch wide strop?

If so, that rules out the beginner strops.

 

[JPM]

Is it better for a beginner to have a 3 inch wide strop?

If so, that rules out the beginner strops.

The benefit is that you don't have to figure out the X pattern with a 3" strop, so it is a bit easier to start with. Although, you will read a lot of the more experienced guys say that you might as well start out learning it early. YMMV.

 

[Huxley]

What about European beginners? The filly has an extra 14$ shipping, which makes it quite a lot more expensive..
Any european strop makers that are worth considering?

Yup one of these.

http://www.strop-shop.co.uk/product/Basic_English_Bridle_Razor_Strop%2C_#3_B-BRDL3

Great strops i just got his 3" bridle and linen strop, for me it has just the right amount of draw.

 

[Robust2]

Yup one of these.

http://www.strop-shop.co.uk/product/Basic_English_Bridle_Razor_Strop,_#3_B-BRDL3

Great strops i just got his 3" bridle and linen strop, for me it has just the right amount of draw.

Thanks for the suggestion, but actually these are exactly the same price as the filly + shipping in euros. Which option would be best?