Ok so here is the question of the morning... I am going to buy a Tony Miller 3" Strop with Latigo leather and I am wondering which to get linin or cotton? I will be shaving with a wade and butcher almost wedge. Any suggestion? Tony you out there?
Tony Miller
- Thread starter Nitrosnail
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Tony Miller does have a recommendation: "Smooth cotton is my daily choice ...'.
See http://www.shop.thewellshavedgentle...F9909B2B25B1086AF29C1E73337B1A45.qscstrfrnt03.
I have an opinion.
We all have our routines. Some like to use a pasted hanging strop for touch up for example.
My view is that even if you use just one razor, between shaves, the razor rusts and this rust will be knocked off the edge when you strop. The rust is the black stain you get on the strop over time.
It is the nap on a leather hone that does the majic to the edge and you don't really want it to get clogged up with the black oxidation film if you can help it.
For this reason, a cotton or linen strop if used first will remove and clean the blade of rust and extend the life of the nap on the leather strop.
Now if you want to talk which fiber is best for touch ups, I have know idea, but either linen or cotton will clean the rust very effectively. The leather however performs the majic.
We all have our routines. Some like to use a pasted hanging strop for touch up for example.
My view is that even if you use just one razor, between shaves, the razor rusts and this rust will be knocked off the edge when you strop. The rust is the black stain you get on the strop over time.
It is the nap on a leather hone that does the majic to the edge and you don't really want it to get clogged up with the black oxidation film if you can help it.
For this reason, a cotton or linen strop if used first will remove and clean the blade of rust and extend the life of the nap on the leather strop.
Now if you want to talk which fiber is best for touch ups, I have know idea, but either linen or cotton will clean the rust very effectively. The leather however performs the majic.
Tony recommends that if you want to use pastego with the smooth cotton as he feels the linen is more than sufficient on its own as it is thought to be more abrasive than the cotton. Do you really need the cotton/linen though? I think it helps but others would disagree.
At the price difference of $10, I opted for the linen. I do not regret my choice at all. Of course, I ordered his cotton to replace the webbed stuff on the SRD strop.... so... I think I cheated...
Joel made a good point in his review. The linen is more "rough on the edges" (literally). The cotton will look nicer. The linen looks good with the latigo btw.
edit:
Just wondering, but why the 3" strop? If I got to do it over again, I'd opt for 2.5" strops. Just my unwanted $.02
Joel made a good point in his review. The linen is more "rough on the edges" (literally). The cotton will look nicer. The linen looks good with the latigo btw.
edit:
Just wondering, but why the 3" strop? If I got to do it over again, I'd opt for 2.5" strops. Just my unwanted $.02
3" tends to be wide enough for stropping the whole blade all the way, while 2.5" generally requires an x-stroke.
... which opens the whole "is an x-stroke better than a straight stroke?" can of worms ...
3" tends to be wide enough for stropping the whole blade all the way, while 2.5" generally requires an x-stroke.
... which opens the whole "is an x-stroke better than a straight stroke?" can of worms ...
My vintage strop is 2.5 inches and I went with 2 inches for my new TM. I'm glad I did. The experience is better for me and 2'' is less likely to cup.
Tony Miller makes excellent strops. I have the 3" Latigo w/ cotton. I love it. It's my go to strop. I have several, but Tony's is my favorite. I think you'll be happy with the Cotton backing for everyday stropping. If you were going to use Diamond spray, then I'd say go for the linen...
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