[edk442]

There's a craftsman out there seldom talked about, and often dismissed as being not worth the effort. I’m talking about Keith De’Grau from HandAmerican. Keith gets a bad rap for how he runs his business, but this is a review of his products and any discussion should be kept on topic.

I’m sure most are aware of his website, that teases us every so often with an update and sneak peeks, like a $100 dollar bill tied to a string. However, at one point, for a few days, something actually went up for sale that immediately caught my attention. Priced in the upper percentile of it’s category, I laid my eyes on a very beautiful, very expensive, cordovan strop. Before I could muster the funds to fuel my strop fetish, it was gone, and I’ve been lusting after that very same strop for the better part of my straight razor career. I’m proud to be the first person to review this strop.

After an exhaustive wait, I am now the proud owner of the very much sought after strop. I don’t think I’ve EVER been so happy to see the postal carrier! Keith is the only strop-maker with rights to use this leather, and it is only available from one company. It is a very exclusive leather, and I find this in itself to be very alluring.

After tearing open the box like a hungry vulture, the most delicious and delightful aroma wafted up to meet my nose. If you've used a cheaper strop before, you'll instantly be amazed at how well the leather smells in comparison. This cordovan strop has redefined my definition of what leather should smell like. It is simply glorious!

Upon handling the strop for the first time, you instantly notice that this is no regular strop. In fact, it feels quite weird. It is very supple and extremely flexible. Flexible in such a manner that I have not seen to date. The frontside of the strop is smooth and the backside is embossed with a Russian diamond pattern. Originally, I was under the impression that the backside was to have scrubbed horsehide, but apparently Keith took some liberties with the strop (he is quite excited about this new surface finishing, and apparently the perfection of the embossing process is the reason my order was delayed a month). I am unsure whether this is how the strops will be offered from now on, or whether he will return to a scrubbed horse backside. I hope he sticks with the cordovan leather, as it is truly beautiful. Rich brown, highlighted with lighter tones, giving it a highly figured, almost flame-like appearance.

The strop is stitched across the top, with a cordovan piece glued on top to conceal the stitching. Originally, Keith made these strops without any rivets/screws, however it seems he caved in to customer requests as you will find two rivets at the top. It’s a very clean look, but I'm of the opinion Keith should stick to his guns and lose the rivets, as per his original design. The bottom is a straight cut end. I had specified that I wanted to have Keith's original ergonomic handle design, but over the course of 2 months, this detail was lost. In hindsight, I am very happy it is a straight cut end. It lends a much more traditional look to the strop.

An aspect of this strop that really shines, is Keith’s use of gold imprinting. The top end is imprinted with the Old Dog logo, while the bottom is imprinted with my initials and the model number of the strop. The backside is imprinted with the HandAmerican logo near the bottom. Very classy. Very classy indeed.

The top hanging hardware is a rugged carabiner type clasp.

Handling this strop, you know that it was made by a skilled craftsman as every bit of skill and expertise is evident in the final product. On the inside of the strop there is a note from Keith giving instructions on how to use the strop.

Now the meat and potatoes of any review, how does it perform. In a word, beautifully. The draw is soft and genuine. The diamond pattern is smooth, but effective. The sound, while not whisper-soft, is not harsh or rough. It sounds smooth and soothing.

Suffice it to say, this is my new favourite strop. It is very dear to me, and I may likely buy another (but without rivets) lest I ruin this one, or this fantastic leather becomes unavailable. Yes, it really is that nice.

While this is the finest strop I have used, the exclusivity of this leather brings with it a price tag that is a bit uncompetitive (although he has several other offerings as well). But if you are one of those people, like myself, who must have the finest products available, regardless of price, then this may be your ticket.

Does your strop excite you? Do you look forward to stropping? No? Then maybe you should get in touch with Keith.

[icedog]

Wow Eric that is quite a gushing review. Now suppose someone did want to purchase this Holy Grail of the leather world. Where and how can this elusive wonder be had?

[edk442]

Keith De'Grau is the proprietor of www.handamerican.com. You'll be able to find his email and phone number on the main page. There is no order form that I know of. You must contact him with the request.

[thebigspendur]

Hey, where are the photos. After teasing us like that with that review we all demand photos.

[Chris L]

+1 on the photos.

Chris L

[edk442]

Added some photos for you all. I think I managed to capture the flamed look quite well, especially in the close up shot

[Utopian]

Very, very, very nice.

And I have to say, no, my strop does not excite me--I'm pretty sure that's my wife's job!

[Wildtim]

I remember catching a blurb on Kieths site about these at one time or another and I was also intrigued, at least until I came to the pricing portion. Once my wife revived me with smelling salts and I thanked God I had already been sitting down I decided that this was something I would let others review first. Its good to hear they might live up to their price tag.

Once I have my car paid off, perhaps I'll look into financing one of these for myself.

[PuFFaH]

Nice strop, shame he is so hard to contact.

PuFF

[Kees]

Originally Posted by PuFFaH

Nice strop, shame he is so hard to contact.

PuFF

IIRC there have been problems with his customer service lately.

[davisbonanza]

Hey guys,
I just looked at the Hand American website and they say the Old Dog line of strops will be available at classicshaving.com in July of 08. I am really curious how much you paid for yours Eric, I hope the classic shave price is not some sort of great deal for your sake! It looks like a great strop, thanks for the review.

[Kees]

Keith's strops always get good reviews IIRC, unfortunately communicating with him has been problematic in the recent past. I think it is good news he decided to sell his strops through classicshaving and leave customer service with them.