Thread: What to do now...

Hi all, i'm a noob!

I've spent alot of time looking into this, and i'd like to thank this site for the information you all provide.
I know theres alot of ways to get started, personaly i'm diving in with an old Marples and co razor. I've been honeing my work tools for years so i'm optimistic with this.
My problem is after looking over all of your advice i still can't figure out the correct strop. I know you have to hold the hanging strop taught, so why is it not better to use a paddle strop thats allways taught. I have looked at all of tonys strops and they all look good, so any advice here would be appreciated befor i spend LOL

Thanks

You still might to consider sending your first razor out to have it done by one of our honemeisters. The edge you are seeking is not the same edge as your tools. One thing going for you is that you already have some experience honiing so you will likely develop your razor honing skill a bit faster than someone like myself.

A paddle strop will work. A hanging strop has more surface area to work with because it's longer. It's like having a hone that is 2" long versus one that is 8" long. The 2" one will work, but it will take a lot longer to get the same results as the one that is 8".

You not be disappointed with Tony's strops. They are wonderful!!

Cheers. so could i In theory secure a hanging strop to some timber to make things easier. I only suggest this because this is how i strop my chisels (i know it's different, just something for me to relate to.). I don't want to ruin a new strop, but am just wondering if it works

The wiki has a section on stropping, I think that you may find it useful:


Theory of stropping - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Flipping the Razor

In addition to the links that I included, I will suggest checking out the stropping videos in the general section or watching Lynn's dvd. Good luck and definitely let us know how it goes.

Al raz.

A lot of people prefer the bench-type or paddle strop - some say it's easier to begin with than the hanging variety. Like dward says, you usually get a lot more length in a hanging strop. Nothing stopping you making your own bench strop any length you desire, though!

You could secure a hanging strop to some timber, using the eye at one end and either pulling it taut or securing it by the handle loop at the other end, but it seems a bit of a waste, especially as you might get a couple of creases in it.

Some of the older bench strops were a frame with a loop of leather over them, the leather being supported at just the front and rear, presumably to give a bit of "give" while stropping - probably good for wedge-type razors.

Regards,
Neil

Some paddle strops are narrower and shorter than hanging strops. IMO they are therefore not so fun to use because you have to focus more to keep the blade steady. Tony M has some wide paddles too and they might be fun to use too.
Keeping the hanging strop taut is not as hard job what you might think. Actually it is better to keep yourself in a relaxing position and not tensioning too much.
Again IMO I suggest to get a hanging over paddles if you have a good place to use it and other things mentioned in Theory of stropping wiki article.
But If you have small room or travel a lot or want to do stropping in other room or don't want to keep the strop taut or........
Both strops have pro's and con's and what suits best to you......at the end ..... you know it better than anyone else.

Thanks to everyone.
I went out before and picked up a hanging strop for £20. I gave it a go on a door handle, and your right its not at all hard to keep it taught. I think i will go for one of the nice ones mentioned on here, when i'm used to it (and not sliceing the thing in half, LOL)