Thread: Paddle or Hanging Strop?

What's better for a newbie, paddle or hanging? I found a nice paddle strop that had a second side you could use a paste on, but the paddle is only 12". The hanging strop is a little longer, I think 15", but I guess my question is which is easier for a newbie to strop on?

TIA

A paddle strop can take the guesswork out of how taught to pull a hanging strop etc, allowing you to focus on just the actual stropping and technique etc.

The downside to paddles is their smaller size compared with a standard hanging strop. I get around this by doubling strokes on a paddle strop.

Here is forum member Kenrup's excellent Filly beginner's strop for $20.00. Personally I prefer a hanger although I do use a pasted paddle on occasion.

Thanks for the link. Hmmm. I like the idea that the other side of the strop is already treated. What about the width? Will a newbie do well with a 2" strop? The price is certainly right.

Thanks again.

I don't know about the 2" as I've never used one. My guess is that you will get used to whatever you learn on. I stropped on vintage 2 1/2 mostly and then went to the current 3" strops. Now I go back and forth as the mood dictates. Here is a tutorial from a 1961 barber manual in the SRP Wiki help files. The last couple of pages have some good stuff on learning to strop properly.

I go back and forth between paddles and hangers. At the moment I've been seduced by my Kanoyama hangers, but I've gone through phases where I've used paddles nearly exclusively. They both work and have their own strengths and weaknesses.

For beginners however the biggest difference is that the paddle is much easier to use correctly.

Originally Posted by ziggy925

What's better for a newbie, paddle or hanging? I found a nice paddle strop that had a second side you could use a paste on, but the paddle is only 12". The hanging strop is a little longer, I think 15", but I guess my question is which is easier for a newbie to strop on?

TIA

answer is paddle strop easier to use then hanging strop. you basically avoid damaging the edge with wrong stropping.

I prefer the hanging strop and think it is easier and more convenient to use than a paddle strop. I also like the two-inch width.

The KenRup Filly is a great first strop. You will not shed tears when you nick it. . I still use the back for its CrO2 paste.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I don't know about the 2" as I've never used one. My guess is that you will get used to whatever you learn on. I stropped on vintage 2 1/2 mostly and then went to the current 3" strops. Now I go back and forth as the mood dictates. Here is a tutorial from a 1961 barber manual in the SRP Wiki help files. The last couple of pages have some good stuff on learning to strop properly.

Thanks for the tutorial. Very informative. I've already sent for Lynn's video and I'm looking forward to seeing that, too. I think I'm gonna watch the video before placing my final order.

I'd get both. I strop on the hanging strop and use the paddle strop, with the green chromium oxide paste for my last step in honing. I suppose I could strop exclusively on the paddle but I like the linen side of my hanging strop.

Rich

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