Thread: Leather Strops vs leather paddles

So I am getting down to the wire for my first SR.... I have been watching several videos and now I am wondering if a paddle system would be better for me and for beginners in general .... I wouldn't have to worry about holding it too loose or too tight, and Lynn got a nice one on his sight that is interchangeable. What are your thoughts???

I appreciate any feedback. Thanks in advance !!!!

The modular paddle is a very good start. If you cut the leather while learning the pads pretty cheap to replace. I have one and i use it all the time. I have a hanging strop, but i still use the paddle quite often. Depends on my mood.

Not sure if you've seen this yet..

https://youtu.be/

Yea I saw his paddle video first and then I found that one as well. It seems like a great system and I'm willing to pay a little more for this to make sure I don't F/U the blade...just wanted to see what everyone thought. Thanks for your thoughts!!!!

I would highly recommend starting with that modular paddle strop! I use mine all the time, in fact just a few minutes ago...
When you get down the motion for stropping, you can add a hanging strop to your collection.

You,ll f it up any way so get what you want, but on the modular paddle it's a great system for starting out or for an experienced person. I have one, I don't really use it anymore, but I do pay it forward to guys starting out to give them a leg up on their stropping. It's been around, just have to repair or get a new pad once in a while. It's a great tool

I wish SRD had it in a Kanayama panel or a least a Roo, I would probably use it more myself. So get one and go for it. Tc

The paddle strop is a great choice. I have one and use it all the time. You can focus on your stroke, keeping the spine on the strop and your pressure. The hanging strop will be much easier after learning on the paddle. The SRD strop is a real nice strop, so good choice. Good luck.

Yes i am going to purchase it. I hate the idea of ruining an expensive blade and strop and ruining both due to my own ignorance.

I learned on a hanging strop and found it to be fine, i now have a paddle that i made but much prefer the hanging one.
A paddle will take out a variable or 2 though.

Just beginning, the modular paddle will work well for you. Once you are comfortable using the paddle strop and your blade edge is getting taken care of properly you are in a lot better position to move to a hanging strop and you will already have a fair degree of confidence.

You will have both strops at some point so, in your case, do it in the proper order and enjoy.

I have used my paddle strop for many years and use a range of hanging strops as well.

Welcome aboard.

As others have said be prepared to screw up at least once. It is part of the learning curve. I am very heavy handed and have mess up three the first year. And as you learn you will probably micro chip the edge with to much pressure a time or two before you get it.