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Ramblings of a MilkCrate

SteveChuckFrank said:
Does the Rough Out have any advantages that stand out over your Plain Vanilla?
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Advantages ... I’m not sure. I guess they basically all do the same thing, it’s mostly a matter of material choices. Here are some thoughts that I posted on it.

“This is my first time using a rough-out and it’s fantastic. Once again Tony delivers a quality product.

I’ve had a chance to strop a couple of razors and I am really liking this strop. I don’t have any wedges, most of my razors are 1/2 hollow or thinner and I tend to strop on the lighter side of the scale. The only strop I have to compare this to is a steer hide with a cotten component.

First, the linen component on this strop is very nice. It is soft and flexible with a smoother feel than the cotton that I currently have. I think it bumps the strop into a higher class and I’m thinking that I may like it better than cotton.

Onto the strop. The horse hide is thinner, softer and more pliable than the steer that I have. I like the “cuddly soft” description, that’s pretty spot on. In my stropping, I found it to be a fast draw with no stiction at all, it just glides effortlessly along. This strop has been a pleasure to use. I’ll use it a few more days and try to get it shipped out Friday.”
 
MilkCrate said:
Advantages ... I’m not sure. I guess they basically all do the same thing, it’s mostly a matter of material choices. Here are some thoughts that I posted on it.

“This is my first time using a rough-out and it’s fantastic. Once again Tony delivers a quality product.

I’ve had a chance to strop a couple of razors and I am really liking this strop. I don’t have any wedges, most of my razors are 1/2 hollow or thinner and I tend to strop on the lighter side of the scale. The only strop I have to compare this to is a steer hide with a cotten component.

First, the linen component on this strop is very nice. It is soft and flexible with a smoother feel than the cotton that I currently have. I think it bumps the strop into a higher class and I’m thinking that I may like it better than cotton.

Onto the strop. The horse hide is thinner, softer and more pliable than the steer that I have. I like the “cuddly soft” description, that’s pretty spot on. In my stropping, I found it to be a fast draw with no stiction at all, it just glides effortlessly along. This strop has been a pleasure to use. I’ll use it a few more days and try to get it shipped out Friday.”
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So...YMMV 😂😂😂

I know with strops it’s usually a preference thing when it comes to draw and such, just wondering if the overall quality was any different. From what I’ve seen all of Tony’s strops are first class, even the lower priced “Plain” options.
 
SteveChuckFrank said:
So...YMMV 😂😂😂

I know with strops it’s usually a preference thing when it comes to draw and such, just wondering if the overall quality was any different. From what I’ve seen all of Tony’s strops are first class, even the lower priced “Plain” options.
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The rough-out in this pass around is the plain model, but quality wise it’s the same as the plain vanilla. I really like the draw and feel of this strop though.

But I think this is the one that I really want. I’ll have to sweet talk the missus.

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MilkCrate said:
I also lucked into evaluating a new tropical aftershave scent from Scott at Captain’s Choice. I have been able to evaluate two other products in the past, from him as well. The first was the NorEaster aftershave that he was developing. From there he developed the rest of the product line. More recently, I was able to test and evaluate his leather razor cover. A very nice, simple yet elegant design. It’s very nice and is wrapped around the head of my Gillette Tech in my dopp bag. I can’t wait to try this upcoming tropical scent. Life is good!
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Got a note from Scott yesterday about the Tropical aftershave prototype. I live a few towns over so it usually only takes a day or so to get here. I also evaluated what turned into Land Ho as well as the leather razor cover. Always enjoy testing Scott's items and they usually result in me making a purchase or two (I'm sure why he doesn't mind having people beta test!)
 
I've had my TM Rough Out strop for a little over a month, and I'm absolutely loving it.


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MilkCrate said:
Have you tried a Notovan! If so, how does it compare?
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u80ztC9l.jpg


This is my Notovan lol. I may be a bit of a Tony Miller fanboy, but I've found him to be a gentleman and a pleasure to deal with, and his work and quality control are top notch. This is actually my second Notovan. I had a 2.5" that I bought a few years ago, and put a big slice in it during a moment of inattention. This is the no-frills version, and while it is very different from the Rough Out it is also a great strop. It has a very smooth draw, but while the Rough Out is gives you a silent glide, the Notovan has a "whisk" sound to it as you're stropping, and I have found there to be many times when the razor almost feels like it wants to stick the the leather. It's a hard sensation to describe, and I believe I've heard that it is one of the defining characteristics of Cordovan as well. It is also a thinner and more supple feeling leather than the Rough Out. Both are fantastic, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend either one to anyone looking for a quality strop.

I would also highly recommend upgrading to the flax linen for the second component. This one has the standard cotton, and the flax on my Rough Out is worlds better IMO.
 
Smattayu said:
u80ztC9l.jpg


This is my Notovan lol. I may be a bit of a Tony Miller fanboy, but I've found him to be a gentleman and a pleasure to deal with, and his work and quality control are top notch. This is actually my second Notovan. I had a 2.5" that I bought a few years ago, and put a big slice in it during a moment of inattention. This is the no-frills version, and while it is very different from the Rough Out it is also a great strop. It has a very smooth draw, but while the Rough Out is gives you a silent glide, the Notovan has a "whisk" sound to it as you're stropping, and I have found there to be many times when the razor almost feels like it wants to stick the the leather. It's a hard sensation to describe, and I believe I've heard that it is one of the defining characteristics of Cordovan as well. It is also a thinner and more supple feeling leather than the Rough Out. Both are fantastic, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend either one to anyone looking for a quality strop.

I would also highly recommend upgrading to the flax linen for the second component. This one has the standard cotton, and the flax on my Rough Out is worlds better IMO.
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Yeah, I have the steer plain vanilla with cotton. But I am really digging the pass around rough-out with the linen.
 
70E07E8A-A7A5-4417-8CB9-537252BB7B60.jpegYesterday’s Shave-
Shave Count (DE: 468 SE: 9 SR: 651)

Pre Shave-
Strop: Tony Miller Horsehide Rough-out
Scuttle: none
Splash and go

Shave-
Razor: Torrey SR
Blade: none
Brush: SV/TSC LE Badger
Soap: SV Stella Alpina

Post Shave-
Post shave lather
AS: SV Stella Alpina

B4FD58EB-9621-4549-A22F-B019D681B073.jpeg
Today’s Shave-
Shave Count (DE: 469 SE: 9 SR: 651)

Pre Shave-
Strop: none
Scuttle: none
Splash and go

Shave-
Razor: Gillette Tech
Blade: Feather
Brush: Graydog Boar
Soap: Stirling Triumph

Post Shave-
Post shave lather
AS: Stirling Triumph

So, I guess I missed posting a shave. Here ya go. Very nice shave yesterday. And I had another opportunity to use the rough-out strop again. Today I needed a quick shave to go back into the office. For that, the Tech got the nod.

That rough-out strop is really nice. I really enjoyed using it and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it. Dang, I may have to buy one now. Crazy busy work week and I am so glad it’s Friday. Got home a bit late and the missus and I went out for a nice steak dinner. We don’t do that often, but it was really good food and good company. I think that’s all I have for you. Life is good!
 
68F90851-274D-4F29-8F46-D9BF96158120.jpeg

Shave Count (DE: 469 SE: 9 SR: 652)

Pre Shave-
Strop: Tony Miller Plain Vanilla
Scuttle: none
Splash and go

Shave-
Razor: Torrey SR
Blade: none
Brush: RR 400 synth
Soap: Hub City Friday Night Lights (sample)

Post Shave-
Post shave lather
AS: Florida Water

So, today I am trying a sample of Hub City Friday Night Lights that was sent to me by my buddy in Kentucky. Thanks Dave! This soap has a nice scent, but you’ll have to check the artisan site for the description. I can’t describe it. Had a great shave and I almost over hydrated it (on accident), dang synth holds a lot of water. Anyway, very nice shave that left me BBS for the win! I didn’t picture an aftershave, because I just grabbed it after the shave. As a bonus, it is missus approved. Life is good!
 
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Shave Count (DE: 469 SE: 9 SR: 653)

Pre Shave-
Strop: Tony Miller Plain Vanilla
Scuttle: none
Splash and go

Shave-
Razor: Black Diamond SR
Blade: none
Brush: Graydog Boar
Soap: Stirling Alighieri

Post Shave-
Post shave lather
AS: Stirling Alighieri

Change of kit today and a great shave. I believe this one has an edge from Fluffy, but I could be remembering wrong. Went with my standard routine and I am BBS for the win!

So I was trying to work out a partial trade for a straight in a BST. That didn’t pan out, but I scored this instead. A custom 15/16 artisan razor that was inspired by old Sheffield razors. Can’t wait for it to get here. Life is good!

0DB675D8-D572-4F31-BD78-BBEE2A24BBB5.jpeg
 
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