Hanging Strop vs. Paddle Strop

What would be better (more forgiving) for a beginner, a hanging strop or a paddle strop?

You will want to learn to strop on a hanging strop in any case so I would go for an inexpensive hanging strop to start with.

I dunno, when I was starting out I had both and nicked one the same as the other. :) I tend to like the hanger better unless you travel a lot or if space is an issue. Just take it slow and careful and like the 1961 barber manual suggests practice flipping the blade before you actually start moving your arm.

I'd say paddle, since you don't have to worry about how tight to pull it.
Of course you can place a hanging strop on a table/counter and avoid that variable this way too.

I am a straight razor noob just like you. I bought the SRD paddle strop as my first. I cut it up something awful until I was lead to the Wiki portion on how to strop. I then quit cutting. I have since bought the SRD's english bridal strop. Of the two that I use. I seem to get a much better result with the bridal (hanging) strop. I have nicked it once or twice very superficially, but not to the level of the paddle strop.

Also, I now use the rough leather side of the paddle with Cr+Oxide. I used it last night to freshen the edge of the first razor I bought about two months ago. It shaved perfectly afterward.

So I say..............buy both:mace:.

I think the hanger is easie, sure you have to tension it but a little extra pressure doesn't hir the razor as much as it does on a narrow stiff paddle. I still don't get quite as good a stropping off my loom strop as off my hanger.

I'd suggest a hanging strop as your first.

To me a hanging strop feels more natural/easier.