Latigo or English Bridle?

[SIG9]

I'm new to straight shaving and am on the hunt for a new strop.

The "Big Daddy" by Star Shaving seems to be a popular strop but I'm stuck between getting it in latigo leather or English bridle. I've searched a bit but haven't seen a discussion regarding the pros and cons of the different types of leather. Occasionally someone mentions draw but it's not clear to me which has heavier draw versus lighter draw.

The only supposed drawback I've found is that latigo leather can leave a waxy residue on the blade. From what I gather, it's more an inconvenience than anything else. Is that right?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[fchan]

I have both, they both work fine. Only way to find out what you like more is to try both. Keep in mind that the strop will break in as you use it, so day one it will likely be more slick than day twenty. Right now my primary strop is the latigo but that's mostly because I had the bridle leather first and have nicked it more.

Be sure to run a few rounds on the felt first as it will help keep your leather cleaner as well as help keep your blade sharp.

 

[Brianskeet]

Now that's the Badger and Blade way!!! get both!!!

 

[Occams_Razor]

I asked the same question in this forum earlier in the week. Didn't get any responses but I found my own

Here's what I posted, I too am going to get the Big Daddy. I believe in Black Latigo:

"Wish I had tried more search parameters before I posted. To anyone that wanders to my thread looking for similar info, check these links:

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthr...-leather-strop

and for the sage-like explanation from Tony Miller himself:

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthr...bridle-leather

Hope this helps anyone in the spot I was in!"

 

[SIG9]

Thanks everyone for the input. Occams_Razor, I did see your post while searching via Google but didn't realize it was so recent. Looks like it's a YMMV kind of thing. No right or wrong answer, simply a one of each would suffice decision

I think I'll start with the Black Latigo and see where it goes from there.

Thanks again everyone.

 

[Occams_Razor]

Thanks everyone for the input. Occams_Razor, I did see your post while searching via Google but didn't realize it was so recent. Looks like it's a YMMV kind of thing. No right or wrong answer, simply a one of each would suffice decision

I think I'll start with the Black Latigo and see where it goes from there.

Thanks again everyone.

Now I'm tempted to get the English Bridle, so we can compare our experiences haha. Damn you, indecision!

Does anyone know how much a replacement piece of leather is for the Big Daddy? I contacted Star Shaving a few days ago but have yet to hear back.

 

[tomjr]

i like English bridle but my first love is horsehide.

 

[buca3152]

I have heard roo strops are supposedly the best. I have a dovo hanger and a paddle latigo/bridle, and a hanging big daddy bridle/felt. Do you guys think its worth it to try a roo strop if Im having no problems with what I have? I dont mind spending a little money here and there as long as I get something out of it. I think I may have answered my own question but am curious about the roo. Any roo users out there?

 

[Marco]

I've never used any roo strop, but IMHO the definition of "best" is technically wrong when applied to any kind of strop or leather. There are many kind of different leathers available and they all do the job well, everything else (draw included) is a personal preference. I have three Tony Miller strops and they all work marvellously. The Steerhide with its light draw and slick feel is my favourite, but by no means it's any better than the English Bridle.

 

[Brianskeet]

I have heard roo strops are supposedly the best. I have a dovo hanger and a paddle latigo/bridle, and a hanging big daddy bridle/felt. Do you guys think its worth it to try a roo strop if Im having no problems with what I have? I dont mind spending a little money here and there as long as I get something out of it. I think I may have answered my own question but am curious about the roo. Any roo users out there?

I have a SRD Roo strop that sees its share of use. Well made strop with good hardware and a good feel, but I have to admit it is not MY favorite. It absolutely is a YMMV kind of thing. Roo leather is so much thinner and the nature of a kangaroos life means the leather is not as smooth and perfect as others available. Not a knock on the strop at all and it is perfectly functional. It is purely a matter of taste.

 

[gruntedshaves]

id goto with the Dillon hammer and anvil strop if I were you. its got the pull that gives such good feed back and not that odd glassy draw that some strops may have