Just got my SRD Premium IV strop

[Joneman]

I went with the three inch and the thing looks really well made. It might not be a Tony Miller, but that will have to wait. It is quite a beast compared to my practice strop.

The surface seems a little rough kind of and the leather sure is stiff. I expect it to become broken in but there are a couple of imperfect spots on the surface. These spots seem kind of rough but nothing too dramatic. Is this normal? I just don't know if I should have received a totally smooth strop or if it is just that it needs a little break in. I stropped my whipped dog on it and didn't seem to make it less sharp so I guess it's ok.

I also got a new DOVO Special!

 

[jpcwon]

My Illinois Russian leather strop was also very stiff & rough when I first got it. It does break in after a while, though...I have an SRD paddle strop that has the same kind of leather you're talking about on it, but I pasted mine with CrOx...

 

[Doc226]

Pictures. We all love strop pics.

 

[Kentos]

What kind of leather is it? The smoother the better, but a few minor dings shouldnt hurt as long as you can't feel them under the razor.

 

[Danricgro]

I have a SRD Premium IV. Mine was and is smooth (ok, might be a nick or two, oops). They are very nice strops, not Tony Miller nice, but they are very good strops.

 

[Joneman]

It's Premium IV English bridle.

 

[Joneman]

Not sure if you can see that the leather seems kind of wrinkled in a couple of spots.

 

[Joneman]

The strop also seems concave. As I draw the blade across it very lightly, only the heel and toe make contact. Is this a result of needing to be broken in or did I get a bum strop?

 

[Doc226]

I think that is a bum strop. I would expect it to be perfect out of the box.

 

[Joneman]

I think that is a bum strop. I would expect it to be perfect out of the box.

I think you are right. I emailed SRD and asked about it and sent the same picture indicating the wrinkles on the surface in the upper left edge and right middle of the photo. I guess we'll see what they say.

 

[Kentos]

There is no reason to get a wrinkled strop. Small surface scratches from when the steer rubbed against barber wire and such are not as bad IMO, but should still not be all over the strop either.

 

[Joneman]

I think it's going to have to go back. There is no reason why the top portion is smooth and the rest is not. I am pretty disappointed as this was my first nice strop. You think SRD will replace it? If not, anyone know of anywhere where I can get a replacement from another source that will fit the hardware I have?

 

[Wid]

Wasn't it shipped flat? I could have sworn they ship their strops flat.

 

[Joneman]

Yes. It was shipped flat. The wrinkling or ridges seem to be a surface defect. I wasn't sure if I was overreacting but I can feel it under my blade a little. I am trying to smooth it out with my hands and that seems to be helping a little.

 

[Wid]

I wouldn't mess with it, send it back.

 

[Joneman]

I can't not mess with it! If they don't send a replacement because I have been trying to work with it, so be it. It's defective and could not be resold.

 

[Joneman]

Update: just got a reply from Don at SRD. They are sending out a new piece of leather. Excellent customer service! That was a seriously quick response.

 

[Kentos]

Was is 85.00? Tony's don't cost much more that IIRC, although you need to catch it in stock. For 85.00 it should be pretty close to perfect.

 

[Kentos]

Update: just got a reply from Don at SRD. They are sending out a new piece of leather. Excellent customer service! That was a seriously quick response.

Good for them! Good customer service is paramount!

 

[Joneman]

Was is 85.00? Tony's don't cost much more that IIRC, although you need to catch it in stock. For 85.00 it should be pretty close to perfect.

Yes. It was around that price and I know the TM's are around that too, but I received a generous gift certificate and got my new straight from SRD so...