Thread: Beginner 2nd razor/strop

Thanks for the responses. My current razor is about 5/8. I'm pretty confident that a 6/8 would be ok. For some reason, I still can't decide between a hanging or paddle strop. I feel that the paddle strop would give me better immediate results, but maybe I shouldn't focus so much on short term success. I think having that extra inch of width, regardless of strop type, is going to make things a lot easier. Would the main advantage of a hanging strop be the additional stropping surface? Or is it just personal preference?

It's personal preference. I too started with a 6/8 and now have several between 4/8 and 7/8. My 4/8 is a Boker and it's one of my top razors. I also have the Lynn Abrams Modular paddle strop and it's awesome. I highly recommend it. I do not find it has a restricted strop length but about the same size as most hanging strops.

I agree that a paddle strop takes some of the variables out of the equation. Either the SRD modular or regular paddle strops are great.

the modular gives you more options as you develop your skills and want to vary materials.

Well, I procrastinated too long and the Grenadilla wood is now gone for Spanish Point so it looks like I will be delaying my purchase for some time again until it is restocked or they get some Micarta. Don't really care for the Olive Wood look. Sometimes I do, mostly I don't, ha.

I totally get buying what you want but trust me if you are going to stick with SR shaving you're going to own several razors. I'd recommend a round point to start. RA makes a few round points. It's hard to go wrong with their 5/8 round point for a C-Note.

Originally Posted by MrWiggly

Well, I procrastinated too long and the Grenadilla wood is now gone for Spanish Point so it looks like I will be delaying my purchase for some time again until it is restocked or they get some Micarta. Don't really care for the Olive Wood look. Sometimes I do, mostly I don't, ha.

The grenadilla Spanish point was my first choice. I'm actually considering a round point now as I don't care much for the olive wood either and being a beginner it might be wiser anyway.

Apparently, I've been in denial about how indecisive I really am. Was pretty set on the modular paddle strop and Ralf Aust 6/8 micarta when, for some reason, I decided to take another look at the bundle kits on SRD. I am a sucker for good deals, and those are a pretty good deal. For the same price as the RA razor and the modular paddle strop I could get a dovo 6/8 with all the upgrades I would want (silvertip brush #1 or 3 and English Bridle strop). I previously decided against this route so I could get a paddle strop. I've only owned one brush up to this point, a vulfix pure badger with 22mm knot, i think. Any thoughts on how important of an upgrade those brushes would be as opposed to getting the nicer RA razor instead? I'm sure the Dovo would shave just fine, so should I get over its less than appealing to me looks?

Originally Posted by MCSheets

Thanks for the responses. My current razor is about 5/8. I'm pretty confident that a 6/8 would be ok. For some reason, I still can't decide between a hanging or paddle strop. I feel that the paddle strop would give me better immediate results, but maybe I shouldn't focus so much on short term success. I think having that extra inch of width, regardless of strop type, is going to make things a lot easier. Would the main advantage of a hanging strop be the additional stropping surface? Or is it just personal preference?

Personally I don't think a hanging strop is really much of an issue. As long as you keep it taught your using the same pressure anyhow and think if you stuff a razor you will probably do it no matter what your stropping on. And yes that extra acreage is very useful. Go slow to start and you will be fine. You have the old strop to practice on so try it and you will be surprised how easy it is and quickly you pick it up. Good luck what ever you decide. Ed