Tony Miller or Kanayama?

[babweiner]

I need a good strop, one that will last. What is your opinion? I'm not necessarily looking for the best deal, just the best piece of equipment for my needs. I'm a dialy shaver and would like to not have to purchase another strop for a long time. I know very little about these brands but I am learning a lot from my searching. I'm just looking for personal opinions and experience at this point. What's the best and why?

Thanks, ~J. Babcock

 

[Doc226]

Why decide, get both. They are both extremely good but very different.

 

[jpcwon]

I love my TM...Never stropped with a Kanayama, but given the quality of the TM I don't care to try anything different!

 

[GreekGuy]

Hard to go wrong with either. They are both well made. The TM feels more solid to me, but the Kanayama, to me, has higher quality leather. The Kanayama is the better strop for me, but I reach for my TM more often as its my "beater".

 

[Wid]

Both are very good strops but I liked the TM stop a bit more. Plus, made in the U.S.A.

 

[Obiwan]

Talk about a tough choice. Both are amazing. Not sure I could give up one over the either.

 

[Danricgro]

Tough choice. I have both and several others. The Kanayama and Tony Miller have made my others obsolete. To be honest I don't think I could choose between the two.

 

[Antique Hoosier]

Intrigued by the Kanayama, owner of 3 Tony Miller strops. I'm happy as is.

 

[cb91710]

Get both.

I did... twice.

TM #2 and Bridle
Kanayama #3 and Llama 2196.

 

[Kentos]

Of I HAD to choose, I think I would take my TM. But I have 5 different leather of his each one it's own distinct flavor.

 

[Filarmonicafreak]

Hallo

i have tryed a lot of stropes befor and at the end there stay only to in my stock, the first is a kanajama 90.000 and the 2. is a kanajama 80.000 i would never use an other strope becouse this 2 nice leather peaces garante me the best edge. I dont use any chrom or diamant, only a fine natural stone (mts Thuringian, Escher, ohzuku, oohira....) and than 10 or 20 strokes on the leather

 

[blackman]

They're both really nice and it's a tough choice.

For me atleast, I'll buy another TM, but chances are I wouldn't get another kanayama. The kanayama has the better leather, but the TM has the better craftsmanship and attention to detail, IMHO. It's more "solid".

You really can't go wrong with either.

 

[Raithskar]

If you truly want a fine strop that will last you a lifetime, and I am not knocking TM or Kanayama, get a Scrupleworks. To this day my 3" Horween oil tanned/Linen has been the best investment I have ever made in wet shaving....period. I have a TM and it is an ecxcellent strop, but I can't get as fine of an edge off it as I can my Scrupleworks. The strop is made when you order it as well. Torolf (the maker) is a master Leather Worker, and to my knowledge does not keep any stock. Each strop is made per order. When it was done this is the picture Torlf sent me. The strop still looks as good to this day (over a year ago).

 

[CanonSterVa]

If you truly want a fine strop that will last you a lifetime, and I am not knocking TM or Kanayama, get a Scrupleworks. To this day my 3" Horween oil tanned/Linen has been the best investment I have ever made in wet shaving....period. I have a TM and it is an ecxcellent strop, but I can't get as fine of an edge off it as I can my Scrupleworks. The strop is made when you order it as well. Torolf (the maker) is a master Leather Worker, and to my knowledge does not keep any stock. Each strop is made per order. When it was done this is the picture Torlf sent me. The strop still looks as good to this day (over a year ago).

Great looking strop.
What type of leather is that for the handles?

 

[Loner16]

Do not forget Neil Miller in the UK, also.

I've got a strop from Tony Miller, and I cannot say anything bad about it.. The workmanship is impeccable as are the components, but, and this will not be very popular here, I tried hard and often, without success I might add, to get another component for a TM "modular" strop. Modular is great, provided one can get replacement items. Perhaps others could.. I couldn't. The production starting and stopping at will was also not to my liking. So, that was the end for me!
I've got an SRD Premium strop... I will not even get into the issues this one has!
I finally got tired of headaches, and worked with Neil Miller from "The Strop Shop" in the UK. He was very responsive to my wants and needs, and went beyond the call of duty to fulfill them. This is now my everyday strop, and I've got another from Neil with a different tanning process. Both are stunningly beautiful, and are great working tools. My search for the perfect strop is over!
I've never owned or tried a Kanayama, but they have an enviable reputation.

If there was another strop I would like to try, and I don't need another, it would be one of Torolf's Scrupleworks, and there again, the maker will work personally with you to fulfill your needs. In my opinion, that is very important!

 

[Tony Miller]

I've got a strop from Tony Miller, and I cannot say anything bad about it.. The workmanship is impeccable as are the components, but, and this will not be very popular here, I tried hard and often, without success I might add, to get another component for a TM "modular" strop. Modular is great, provided one can get replacement items. Perhaps others could.. I couldn't. The production starting and stopping at will was also not to my liking. So, that was the end for me!

I apologize if I was not able to supply components when you had asked. I just make strops as a hobby / sideline, not my full time job so both my time and supplies of leather vary greatly throughout the year. When my strops are in production I have components, when I am not making strops it is usually because I am out of leather or only have seconds available so cannot supply components at that time. I am sure it is frustrating to want something and not be able to get it as I know it is for me when I am after something. I do feel bad that I was not able to help you. Believe me if I was doing this as my living and had 40 hours a week to do it things would be way different.

It has been hard for me to try and balance just doing this for fun when I want and the constant stream of interested customers and having to say no. This year I am afraid is going to be worse. Since Christmas I have had so rather serious heart problems and will only be doing strops once in a while for quite some time.

I myself have been suggesting both Neill Miller and Scrupleworks to those contacting me and wanting a strop made one at a time. From what I have seen their workmanship is first class and both have unique designs. I would be proud to own a strop made by either of these gentlemen.

Thanks,
Tony

 

[JeffBr]

Tony,

I hope that your health improves, very soon. Doing and enjoying what you like is important. Health is of prime importance. It sounds as if you an honest and ethical business man and good person. I hope for you the very best!

 

[daflorc]

Didn't they stop making/selling kanayama strops? I remember reading about this. Where does one buy one now?

 

[cb91710]

Didn't they stop making/selling kanayama strops? I remember reading about this. Where does one buy one now?

The maker is getting very old and his sons did not care to learn the craft, but they are still available from a number of sources.
http://yhst-27988581933240.stores.yahoo.net/strop-for-razor.html <<< Best price #3 is a good value

http://www.japanesenaturalstones.com/Kanayama-Cordovan-Strop-2196-p/703.htm <<< 2196 is thinner than the #3 and comes with a heavy canvas/linen 2nd component, but much more expensive.

http://www.rasurpur.de/english/shop/accessoires/strops/strops.html <<< No experience with this seller.

 

[TonyN]

Tony, sorry to hear about your health problems. Hang in there and get well.

I have only good things to say about my dealings with Tony Miller. It is unfortunate that such a popular item is in limited production, but then again, it's only a hobby and not a full time job. One of these days if everything works out, I'd like to get an English Bridle strop from Tony. If it doesn't come to pass, I'm still more than happy with the 3 TM's I currently have.