Which Tony Miller Strop?
- Thread starter TimMcG
- Start date
If price does not worry you and is familiar using a strop without nicking/cutting it, get the horsehide premium.
I have heirloom no.2 steerhide 3"...it has a pretty quick draw
and is a pleasure to use.
His linen strop 3" is pretty amazing too.
and is a pleasure to use.
His linen strop 3" is pretty amazing too.
I've been checking out his budget option for $35
I have a variety of strops, including several from Tony. Any one of them will maintain an edge. The difference is in the draw of the leather. I often use more than one strop during a session. I will start with a slower draw such as a Latigo and then finish with a faster draw such as fast bridle leather, premium horsehide, or Novotan/Cromexel horsehide.
If you are uncertain about the characteristics of a particular leather, send Tony an email. He will be happy to answer your questions. You really can't go wrong with any of them. Even his plain vanilla and plain chocolate strops are usable. These less costly strops are idea for those new to straight razors. It takes most folks a while to develop the muscle memory needed to use a strop without nicking the strop. Thus, it is better to start with a less expensive strop. I also have an expensive shell cordovan strop and would be heart-broken if I were to damage it.
If you are uncertain about the characteristics of a particular leather, send Tony an email. He will be happy to answer your questions. You really can't go wrong with any of them. Even his plain vanilla and plain chocolate strops are usable. These less costly strops are idea for those new to straight razors. It takes most folks a while to develop the muscle memory needed to use a strop without nicking the strop. Thus, it is better to start with a less expensive strop. I also have an expensive shell cordovan strop and would be heart-broken if I were to damage it.
Get one of each.
I have Notovan and slick Horsehide. I prefer the Notovan, because I like a little draw but that is really personal. Construction quality wise, both are really well made so you can't go wrong
Tony Miller's "Roughout" strop is the top of the heap in my opinion.
His Notovan, Steerdovan, Horween horsehide, and Spanish Bridle are all nice too. I however prefer a heavy draw and the Roughout fits the niche perfectly.
His Notovan, Steerdovan, Horween horsehide, and Spanish Bridle are all nice too. I however prefer a heavy draw and the Roughout fits the niche perfectly.
Unfortunately, Tony only carries a limited range of strops at any given time, depending on his leather supplies. The Roughout is not available at this time. Perhaps it will be available again in the future.
Any of Tony's strops are top quality, made by an artisan that cares about his craft and his product. Any and all of them will perform well for it's intended function.
It comes down to what type of strop you prefer. Smooth, rough, "heavy draw", "light draw", "magnetic draw", etc., etc. Since it's entirely personal preference, the "buy them all" answer is the only one that will let you be sure you have your dream strop.
Short of that, read the descriptions of how they "feel" in use and choose whatever appeals. I started with a WCS Latigo strop and then bought Tony's Steerdovan. It has a much smoother, more slick feel ("lighter draw") that I now know I prefer only because I have two to compare.
It comes down to what type of strop you prefer. Smooth, rough, "heavy draw", "light draw", "magnetic draw", etc., etc. Since it's entirely personal preference, the "buy them all" answer is the only one that will let you be sure you have your dream strop.
Short of that, read the descriptions of how they "feel" in use and choose whatever appeals. I started with a WCS Latigo strop and then bought Tony's Steerdovan. It has a much smoother, more slick feel ("lighter draw") that I now know I prefer only because I have two to compare.
I plan on purchasing one in the future. Your work looks great and at a very competitive price. Very soon.It is there
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I have the steerdovan and love it. I wouldnt get rid of this for anything.
It is there
Sorry, I missed it when I checked your web site.
Steve56
Ask me about shaving naked!
I’d suggest that you select the strop by the draw that you like.
You made a good choice. I have the horsehide in both the Premium and Plain versions. The cosmetic differences do not affect the light draw or any other functional aspect of the strops. While I appreciate the finer finishes of the Premium, the Plain is arguably the best strop value on the market.
I grabbed a 3” old no. 2 premium horsehide with second linen strop. Absolutely amazing strop. Definitely worth every penny. Glad I happened upon this thread before I purchased 
I just got the same strop as above post in 2.5 and as you would expect it’s top quality
