Please help me choose my next christmas present

[ozzy_scl]

Hello, during these months of wetshaving I've come a long way. I still remember my first shaves when I went for a ATG! no need to say that my face was completely red afterwards.

I have a cheap strop, which has served me well, but I think is time to move on. For the longest I can remember I kept looking and reading about Toni's strops. Thinking "one day".
So I think I've perfectioned my strop technique to the point I'm no longer nicking the strop. So I would like to buy me one of Toni's.

I'm between the 3" Artisan "new standard" or the 3" Lite.

And again, Between Red Latigo or Horsehide. So here I'm asking you guys for your advise.

What you think I should buy?? I have a Dovo 6/8 Special, the usual 4k/8k and a 12k as finish/polish stone.

 

[SavantStrike]

It's my understanding that the lite is basically the same strop, just without a cotton or linen side.

The first decision you need to make is latigo vs horse.
Latigo - TONS of draw, will get your stropping done in a hurry
Horse - less draw, takes longer but gives a smoother edge

If you go for horse, you will NEED cotton or linen. If you go for latigo, you won't need it, but you should still get it.

You can extend the life of an edge significantly by using a light abrasive and linen/canvas/cotton (or some even use it without the light abrasive). The decision about cotton vs linen revolves around what you want. I remember Joel said once that the cotton felt the same as the linen. This was on a 3" strop. IIRC, Tony told me the cotton on the 2" strops is slightly (and ever so slightly) different than it is on the other models, so take this with a grain of salt, but I really prefer the linen on my 2" Artisan (which figures... it costs more ).

Tony's strops really are awesome though. No matter which one you end up getting, you will get a quality product.

 

[Kees]

Tony's strops are 1st class. What you choose is personal preference more than anything else.

 

[Seraphim]

TM strops are tops!

 

[Tony Miller]

The genuine linen on all my models is the same weave and type, but the cotton varies. Both the 2 1/2" and 3" use a smooth, fairly firm weave cotton, where the 2" uses a softer, looser weave. Early on I used a thick, stiff corregated weave that was a love/hate affair with my customers. I still have some left but do not use it unless someone asks.

Felt is now available for those who desire to paste the cloth side, nylon is also offered for those who like the slick feel.


Tony

 

[Klarion]

I got the 3 in. "New Standard" Red Latigo/Smooth Cotton. Seems to be maintaining my edge very well. The width is great, really helps me to drawn the blade evenly on the leather. Of course, that can just be attributed to extra practice. No nicks in it so far..... can't say the same for my practice strop however, which is basically torn up, lol. Still, I love it. So much, in fact, I'm thinking about getting a horse hide one of these days.

You know, presuming I don't eat up my latigo in the meantime, and require a replacement in the future.

 

[Leche]

I would get the cotton/linen with it. I have the cotton and recently loaded it up with Dovo White Paste. So far so good. The TM strops are incredible, you're looking at the right place.

 

[ozzy_scl]

Thanks guys for your replies. I don't know if horsehide will be available at this time (on Tony's site, it says "currently unavailable") so it may be Red Latigo for now (A good excuse to get another strop in the future )

I was reading the reviews about Ruprazor, and the 4 dollar difference between the 3" model, makes it really easy to decide.

I'll be looking this Monday when Tony's shop will be open again.