Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions fall into several categories. Click on the appropriate category below for those questions and answers:

Shaving

Starting with straight shaving

What is the minimal setup for shaving with straight razors?

Shave Ready straight razor and a strop.

Razors

Razor Manufacturers

Are Zeepk products any good?

We believe both their razors and strops to be worthless junk. Straight Razors to Avoid has a more detailled explanation.

Stropping

What do the numbers on Illinois strops mean?

The model numbers mostly refer to size differences except for the #127/827.

In the "modern" line up the #206 is quite small, maybe 1 3/4" or 2" wide. The #835 is next in line and maybe 2 1/4" wide. The #127 and #827 are both 2 1/2" wide and about 24" long. #127 is the typical Illinos top grain cowhide, the #827 is called their Russian strop and uses the reverse, fleh side of the leather instead of the outer surface. The #361 is a more traditionally styled model without the handle.

There are many other model numbers that were used years ago and frequently turn up on ebay.

Why do Illinois strops have a horse head if they are made from cow hide?

I think it is just tradition. Back in the day almost every strop was horsehide so it is probably just a hold over. On my first strops years ago I used an embossed horsehead logo too before switching to the oval logo stamps I use now.

There are a few barber supply places on the web representing the Illinois strops as horsehide but Fromm International's (Illinois Strops) own promotional material says cowhide for all of the models.

Honing

What is a pyramid?

See the Norton Pyramid Honing Guide.

How long do I need to hone my razor?

Until you are happy with the shave it gives you.