Thread: paddle or not?

Hi all, im looking for a strop but so many to choose, need some help please! it will be my first strop and i was wondering...do i get the normal strop or a paddle strop? any recommendations would be appreciated. i dont want to buy a cheap one first time but i dont want to pay a fortune! as long as it really is good enough to do the job!

had my first shave with my dovo astrale, only one nick on my chin! was awesome, loved it! but now i cant shave again until i purchase a strop!.................i know i know i should of got one same time as the razor!!! haha

Well I have both a paddle and a hanging, I love my paddle, because I can sit at my desk with it and strop, however it is considerably shorter than my hanging strop so needs more laps, also the benefit of a paddle is no need to worry if it's taught so you can just concentrate on technique, but in the end it really is a personal preference

Geek

what about this one? the top one for 44pounds....

TI strops & accessories

If you're looking there for a paddle, I'd be more tempted with the next one down for £53. You'll really appreciate the extra width and length..!

i was just reading through the wiki stubear

thanks il check that one out, i guess a wider would be better to learn on!

Hendrix85,

Mr Neil Miller makes superb paddle strops:

Quality Razor Strops & Paddles Individually Hand Made in the UK

I use paddle strops almost exclusively for my stropping needs, and Mr Millers' paddles are top notch (I have many of his strops ). As he hand makes each one, why not drop him a mail to discuss your needs ?

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

I use the SRP modular paddle strop. I find it easier for a beginner to use then the hanging strop. I love the ability to change the pads and use diamond spray or other media. It is small enough to put in a suitcase. A great strop.

Hi

Steve at TI UK has a great service, but I can not recommend those TI strops. The leather is vegetable tanned and sort of...fluffy is the best way to describe it. I used to have the extra wide one. If you want a great paddle I highly rate Neil Miller's paddle strops. He can custom make them to your requirements, as he has made me an extra large one. 17'' beds either side!

Or get a modular strop.

Either option is great, I'm just not a fan of the TI. It will get you where you need to go, but there is far better out there for the money.

Regards

Originally Posted by ShoreBird

I use the SRP modular paddle strop. I find it easier for a beginner to use then the hanging strop. I love the ability to change the pads and use diamond spray or other media. It is small enough to put in a suitcase. A great strop.

I hope hendrix85 doesn't mind me popping in to ask a question.

What are the advantages of the modular paddle over the regular one? What do all those extra pads get me?

You can change the stropping material I think there are 3 different leather pads you can get. You can easily change the pads for the stropping material you wish to use. More importantly for new shavers if (when) you cut up your strop you can just buy another pad to replace the cut up pad. It also comes with felt pads that you can add paste or sprays to touch up your razor. I just sprayed one felt pad with .5 micron diamond spray last night. I plan to touch up my razor with it tonight.