Beginner 2nd razor/strop

I currently own a sight unseen razor (not sure what it is) and poor mans strop from whipped dog. I've only been at it a couple weeks, but I've decided to stick with it. With Christmas coming up, I have the chance to upgrade and would prefer some input from those more experienced than me. I'm pretty sure I've decided on the SRD modular paddle strop, but I'm still open to other suggestions. My thought with the paddle strop is that it would remove strop tension as a variable in my stropping technique as well as the modular design lowering replacement cost. I've been clamping my poor mans strop to a table to imitate a paddle and it's felt much better to me. With razors, I've been going back and forth between a few the last couple days. I HAD decided on a dovo best quality blonde 6/8. I realize 5/8 is generally recommended for beginners, but something I read recommended 6/8 and they look better to me so I've gone in that direction. So, I thought I knew what I wanted when all the new Ralf Aust stuff showed up on SRD. I don't care much for the look of the dovo stuff whereas all the RA is beautiful. I'm thinking i would keep one of those as my only/main razor a lot longer than I would the dovo, thus justifying the $60 more I would spend. Now comes the question of Spanish or round point. My understanding is that the Spanish point is more forgiving than a spike, which I would not touch. But how forgiving are they? The Spanish point looks sweet to me, but if that would be a mistake, I want to know. The round points still look pretty good. I realize I should be focusing more on function than looks, but a razors' looks are going to be a factor for me whether I like it or not. Anyway, those are my thoughts. If I'm way off in my thinking, let me know. Any and all opinions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

You won't find much difference between a 5/8 and 6/8 so pick the size you want. If the Ralf Aust product turns your crank then have at it. As for the strop paddle strop are nice but can give you a slightly shorter stropping length to work with. If you're good with that then go for it.

The razor size is personal preference on what feels better while shaving so till you experiment you won't know. A bench strop might give you more strop length as a paddle is only about a foot long. The Spanish point is a small round point so be careful and I wouldnt see it causing much issues. Good luck. Ed

I have both R. Austs and I prefer the 5/8, so far. But they're both great. You'll love yours!

What size is your current razor? Maybe use that to give you an idea.

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.

Thanks for all the help. I think I've decided on the SRD modular paddle and a 6/8 Spanish point. My first two choices in scales are already sold out, so I better make up my mind for sure. Thanks again.

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 prefer my 6/8 wide razor to my narrower ones, but it is also a frameback so the blade is a lot thinner too.
Not sure with regards to the strop, a lot of guys use paddles and get on with them fine, they can also be used anywhere and are easier to travel with as far as I know, however I only have a hanging strop.
Though even with a wider strop you should still be doing an x pattern at least a bit.

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.

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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?

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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

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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.

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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.

Yeah. I'm going to hold out for a Spanish Point in rosewood or grenadilla.

I don't want the round point.

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?

Made up my mind and ordered a kit with the dovo 6/8, premium II strop and the SRD #1 brush.

I am also a beginner and I went with a Dovo 6/8 bismarck. I bought the kit and it was a wise decison because it got me on my feet right away. You will soon get more razors and it is important to buy what appeals to your taste. I have since bought a 5/8 Dovo and I can't really tell any difference in use. Good Luck!

Got everything in yesterday. The razor looks much better in person. It feels quite different than my razor from whipped dog. Almost have to start over learning, not that I had gotten too far. Having used a $40 pure badger brush for a year or so, the SRD silver tip felt WAY different and not entirely in a good way. Much floppier and took a lot longer to lather. It is unbelievably soft on my face though. The strop had some visible cupping and was only contacting the ends of the razor at first, but it's gotten better with some palm rubbing. Having changed every variable in my shave, I'm going to wait to pass judgment til I have a better feel for all the new equipment. I'm confident I will grow to love all the new stuff. The extra area on the strop feels awesome. So much easier to use.