Kenrup's El Toro "Strop"

hoglahoo · 06-18-2008, 04:26 AM

From Kenrup: "The El Toro is made from 7-9oz cowhide tooling leather. The strop is ready to use, no break in is needed. All hardware is rust resistant and durable."

I acquired the 2 ½” X 18-20” leather only strap at the Asheville, NC meetup. Kenrup donated the strap for the event. Thanks!

Can I choose where the photo attachments show up in my post? Anyway, I also received another strap which I believe is the Filly. From Kenrup: "The Filly is a starter/practice/travel strop. It is made from 7-9oz cowhide and it is ready to use. The only hardware is a grommet for the hanging thong. It will roll up nicely for travel. It is also is a great strop to develop your stropping technique. It is available in one size, 2”X 17 – 18"

However, both straps are the same length, as you might be able to tell from the grainy photos. Kenrup was nice enough to pre-apply white paste to the wide strap and green paste to the narrow strap. The quality of the leather is superb. It has a bounce to it, and a very nice feedback while strapping. I have another nice strap from another well-known maker to compare with, and I would not be able to tell you which is better. The El Toro responds to my razors' edges so well that I instantly know if the edge is not getting consistent pressure along its length as the leather has great feel and clear sound. I prefer the 2 1/2" over the 2", but I cannot tell any difference in leather quality.

The reverse sides of the straps are rough but soft and consistent. I have had no issues strapping on the pasted sides

The only improvement I could think of would be to have a leather guard pad separating the metal fasteners from the rest of the strap on the front as it is on the back. I strap too quickly and had to be watchful not to flip my razor over on top of the fasteners.

I passed along the 2 1/2" to a friend who I am helping learn to shave with a straight. I wouldn't have parted with it for money, so don't ask for my 2" El Toro

Thanks Kenrup!