Star Shaving Paddle Strop

[rockviper]

My last 2013 shave purchase exemption came in today: A bridle/latigo paddle strop with 2 extra 10x3 leathers
(This was an exception only because ordering the extra leathers had to be done by eMail and communication slipped past Dec.31 by a day or so)

Stropping surface is 12x3 which puts it a full 2 inches longer than the TI wide paddle...

In addition, I find the TI paddle's suede to be not to my liking. Hence, the order of two replacement bridle pieces which will used for pastes once I "fix" the TI strop. Here's the latigo side of the Star paddle....

The leather looks and feels great and I'm already tickled pink with my decision to go with Star's paddle. 2013 is shaping up just fine by my reckoning.

 

[sychodelix]

Nice! I stongly considered getting one myself before making my own.

 

[incucrash]

I keep reading the latigo has draw
I have one, the latigo has no draw
Same for you?

The bridle has a lot imo

 

[rockviper]

In eMails with Star Shaving, they say the black latigo is 50-60k and the English bridle is around 90-95K. This is pretty close to what's on their website and, while I can't just draw grit at the K-level, the bridle is noticeably smoother than the black latigo.

 

[incucrash]

It just seems like my razor glides better on latigo

The bridle is much shinier, waxy though? Resistance is more with it

 

[rockviper]

Did some stropping last night and I think you're right. Even though the bridle feels smoother, it has more draw.
From Star Shaving's website....
The Black Latigo leather is approx 50-60,000 grit and the English Bridle is approx 90-110,000 grit. The English Bridle comes with an extra top dressing of Tallow.
Methinks the tallow (mmmmmmmm, talllow) is the reason.

 

[incucrash]

Yeah, for me I think the latigo is faster, bridle smoother but slower laps due to draw

I usually do 40 on latigo, 20 on bridle. I need to increase it

Did some stropping last night and I think you're right. Even though the bridle feels smoother, it has more draw.
From Star Shaving's website....
The Black Latigo leather is approx 50-60,000 grit and the English Bridle is approx 90-110,000 grit. The English Bridle comes with an extra top dressing of Tallow.
Methinks the tallow (mmmmmmmm, talllow) is the reason.

 

[Sonic69]

Yeah, for me I think the latigo is faster, bridle smoother but slower laps due to draw

I usually do 40 on latigo, 20 on bridle. I need to increase it

I'm considering buying one of their 3" Big Daddy strops (an interim solution while waiting for Tony Miller to start up producing his Artisan strops again).
Am I correct in saying that if I prefer a faster strop, then go for the latigo? While if I prefer more resistance then bridle is it?

 

[rockviper]

That sounds about right to me, at least for the Star Shaving latigo and bridle. Their bridle's draw could be due to it being treated with tallow.

 

[Sonic69]

So which one do you prefer?

 

[tomjr]

I prefer bridle greatly over most latigo. i adjust my draw to what i like but never had to with my bridle.

 

[rockviper]

I like the feel of the Bridle but I use both sides of my strop.