Entry-level strop (EU)

**TuX_DK** · 03-23-2009, 10:31 AM

Hello all,

I'm new to the straight scene, I've got my eye on a straight I found in the B/S/T but before I take the plunge I'd like to have a good estimate of how much I will be spending, total (already got DE stuff so brush, soaps etc is sorted). I need to find a strop for a good price, now the Tony Miller strops sound awesome and are fairly priced, but with VAT and handling charges from the postal service (they charge 28 USD for handling the VAT charge) a 40$ strop from the US (shipping included) will cost me 78$ total. And that's way more than I'm looking to spend. Now Tony is too honest to lie on the declarations form/send as gift, but maybe I'll find somebody in the US willing who can buy it and forward it to me. But let's assume that I can't and need to buy something within EU.

So where do I get the best value strop inside EU?

Shaving shack has a dovo strop for around 33£ I think, this seems like a lot to me since the Tony Miller that is supposedly better, is cheaper.

Now I could always pick up a cheap strop off ebay for 10£ but I'm guessing the experts will tell me this is a waste of money?

Hope somebody can point me in the right direction here. Thanks in advance.
Also any hone recommendations within EU would be welcome.

**TuX_DK** · 03-23-2009, 01:26 PM

Well I just won an auction for an edwin jagger strop on the bay
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=220381480888
So guess I don't really need advice any more. I hope the EJ strop is decent

**Kees** · 03-23-2009, 01:50 PM

Originally Posted by TuX_DK

Well I just won an auction for an edwin jagger strop on the bay
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=220381480888
So guess I don't really need advice any more. I hope the EJ strop is decent

That one is the same as a DOVO strop. EU hone: coticule from Belgium!

**mdunn** · 03-23-2009, 03:10 PM

The dovo strop doesnt get much love around here. But I actually quite like it!

**TuX_DK** · 03-23-2009, 03:11 PM

Well I would have loved a Tony Miller, but guess the dovo will have to do for now

**Kees** · 03-23-2009, 04:19 PM

Originally Posted by mdunn

The dovo strop doesnt get much love around here. But I actually quite like it!

With Tony Miller on the scene it is very hard for a strop of a different manufacturer to get any love at all.

**Kema** · 03-26-2009, 01:56 AM

Just order 3" wide Miller with practice strop. Denmark is so expensive anyway that with 78 dollars you can just get one sandwich and beer :)

**TuX_DK** · 03-26-2009, 02:00 AM

Originally Posted by Kema

Just order 3" wide Miller with practice strop. Denmark is so expensive anyway that with 78 dollars you can just get one sandwich and beer :)

Well while that's almost true, it still turned out much cheaper for me to buy the EJ strop for around 23£ on ebay.

You gotta hate tax and VAT.

**Kema** · 03-26-2009, 04:40 AM

Originally Posted by TuX_DK

You gotta hate tax and VAT.

Well you are almost the only country in the world where taxes are higher than in Finland :)

How about Chrysler 300C 3.0 CDR without any extras for 75619.67 USD

**The Invisible Edge** · 03-27-2009, 01:35 PM

I'lljust throw my hat in the ring.........

**Kees** · 03-27-2009, 02:09 PM

Originally Posted by The Invisible Edge

I'lljust throw my hat in the ring.........

You make reaeaeally nice strops. Do you consider these entry level?

**TuX_DK** · 03-27-2009, 02:25 PM

Originally Posted by The Invisible Edge

I'lljust throw my hat in the ring.........

I've been browsing your site some days ago, with interest. It's bookmarked in case I get a sudden urge to buy a wapi razor

**Hillie** · 03-28-2009, 01:28 AM

Originally Posted by The Invisible Edge

I'lljust throw my hat in the ring.........

Your strops look great, but the pricing makes it a no-brainer to opt for a Tony Miller. Keep in mind I do live in the EU and I keep your "all-in" price in mind and calculated with insane shipping prices for Tony's strops.

Those wooden handles look nice though, nice work.

Maybe I'll order one anyway, especially if Tony starts charging my insane shipping calculations (then it'll just be a turn-off for me :))

**Tony Miller** · 03-28-2009, 06:36 AM

I know from experience that making wooden handles like that does not happen quickly or for low labor costs, nothing out of line there at all price wise.

Pretty much the same statement can be said for shipping internationally, it does not happen quickly or for low cost

.

Even to me my shipping looks insane but is at actual Postal service charges and many times it still costs me a few more $$ than I quoted. Insured shipping via Priority Mail is not cheap.

Tony

**Kees** · 03-28-2009, 06:51 AM

US or UK shipping rates are peanuts comapared to Dutch shipping rates!

**Hillie** · 03-28-2009, 07:34 AM

Reading back my post might've had a bit of a bitching undertone, which was not intended. I understand the labor (== cost) involved in making the wooden handles, and I fully appreciate the workmanship that goes in. My time doesn't come cheap either (well, it does, although my boss disagrees

). And of course I understand you want to do proper shipping. Especially for a smaller business I can understand shipping rates aren't as bulk-discount-rate-friendly as massive organisations can get.

Bijna alles wat naar Europa komt kost een vermogen Kees. ;)

**Tony Miller** · 03-28-2009, 10:12 AM

Hille,
No offense taken on my part. I just wanted to clarify that his construction methods are very labor intensive and that reliable shipping rates are really what they appear......insane.

Just didn't want my rates confused with the typical ebay inflated $20+ shipping that arrives with a $2.10 label on it

Thanks,
Tony

**Kees** · 03-29-2009, 03:54 AM

Tony Miller sends his strops in a large, sturdy box because he doesn't want to fold them or get damaged in transit. Large parcels tend to be more expensive to ship. And don't forget the weight of his hardware that we all love!

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**colin39** · 06-02-2009, 01:03 PM

wow this is my next expence, an entry level strop in the uk, got a wapi from the states
From ericski, a stainless scale wapi, now I'm looking for a strop. Gotta take a good look at this
Thread.
Any help or imput well received and all critsisum taken. I've been looking on the bay and there
Are a few for around £10 and £12 posted new any ideas wot they are like? I know ya get what
Ya pay for but I'm not sure what I'm ment to look for?
Many thanks

Colin