Thread: Hidestoart strop review

This review will focus on the strops manufactured by Kevin AKA (hidestoart). The particular version being evaluated in this review was a limited supply select Horse Butt hanging strop. Chicago screws are used at attachment points for convenient strop removal. The personalized handle design is hand cut, textured and carved and brush coated with acrylic water resistant finish. Dimensions are 3”W x 29”L including hardware. The scope of this review is to provide accurate information to members.

Method:
To assure sufficient break in period a minimum of 150 razors have been prepared on this strop. A variety of razor blade profiles have been used from wedges, half hollows, full hollows, kamisori and lather catchers. 50 to 60 very light passes are completed on each razor prior to inspecting the edge with 100X magnification. Razors are then shave tested.

Conditioning of the new leather is done per the manufacturers recommendations. As the leather breaks in feedback or drag is increased. This is fast high performance leather that gets better and improves with use. It imparts smoothness to a razors edge that has reached ultimate progression.

Conclusion:
This is one of the finest strops for razors I have used. It has been tested alongside well known brands both vintage and custom made. The leather tooling displayed on Kevin’s strop is impeccable. Lines and carvings are symmetrical and precise. This strop is heirloom quality and should last for generations if properly maintained.
For more information contact Kevin via PM…..He can answer questions and recommend proper maintenance techniques. Enjoy!
Mike

test strops comparisons


cutting


carving & tooling


dye & seal

Beautiful work...... My dad was a leather craftsman for most of my life as a part time job till his eye sight started to go. Really wish I would've been into straight razor shaving then. Would've been nice to have him make one. Very nice strop you have. Thanks for the review.

Amazing piece of workmanship, thanks for the great review MODINE.

Originally Posted by Grazor

Amazing piece of workmanship, thanks for the great review MODINE.

+1
Love the details in his tooling work.
Great craftsmanship.

Hey Mike it is a wonderful strop indeed.
I too have a "HIDESTOART" awesome strop.
Awesome craftsmanship for sure!!

I am tickled pink with my custom strop from Kevin. He is an absolute craftsman.
______________________________________

I have seen several of Hidestoart strops at the Asheville Razor Meet. They are superb and I also have one ( love it!). I will post pics later.
After seeing a bunch of his other leather work at his home there is one thing I can tell you for sure, Kevin does world class art. He has some of the most ornate work I could have imagined. Last night I got on his case for not having an album of his other projects posted on his website.

If I ever get the money I want one of his IPad covers! and a wallet, and a strop case, and, and, and ........

Do you have his website? I'd be interested in some of those too! Tc

Absolutely stunning work.

Awesome details, love the variation of colors.