I'am strop shopping , and i need some help.... please

As a newb I got a SRD modular paddle strop mainly because I don't have a place to use a hanging strop.

Leaving aside the issues of whether a hanging or paddle strop is best the SRD modular paddle has the advantage that you can simply buy a replacement panel if you nick up the strop while learning.

I also like the fact that the basic set comes with 2 x wool felt, 1 x rough leather and 1 x finishing leather and diamond paste so you get the full set of all the strops you'll ever need in one purchase. And if you feel the need to upgrade/mess about with new toys buying a new panel is cheaper than buying whole new strops.

I can't really comment on whether a hanging strop has advantages over a paddle, but the SRD modular is a very well made bit of kit that is easy to use, is very versatile and you can upgrade/replace damage as and when you need to.

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Originally Posted by prochargerfreak2005

Hey guys, well iam going to buy myself a strop soon but i really don't know wich one to get.There's to many to choose from its giving me a headache, ok should i go with a "2" inch strop "2 1/2", ''3", ? also whats a good buy for the money? i dont want to spend allot and then "oh slice" damaged strop. One strop being sold near me are the Illinois Razor Strop Co or something like that. So what are youre toughts?
thank you
Justin

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Strop width is totally personal. Why don't you cut a sheet of newspaper to the 3 widths you mention. Attach a bulldog clip to one end & try em out. Maybe practice lots on the size you like & save some leather :)

Newspaper!!! Great suggestion. Good way to practice w/o ruining a blade or cutting leather.

I'd spoil yourself and just get a strop from SRD, they are very nice indeed.

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Originally Posted by BanjoTom

Newspaper!!! Great suggestion. Good way to practice w/o ruining a blade or cutting leather.

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Newpaper works but isn't nearly as effective as a real strop, be warned. Also depending on the ink content of the page you're stropping on, some pages may be more effective than others. The more black ink the better, such as a photo.

I have friends that have never so much as put a scratch on their strop from the very beginning. I personally made hamburger out of my first strop.

How is your stropping going? Are you past the stage where you need a starter strop?

A couple of thoughts. The SRD strops have both leather and fabric that can be replaced, so if you destroy the strop, you can easily replace it. Next, what is your budget? The SRD Horsehide strop is still on sale and I bought one a few weeks ago. This is a strop that needs nurturing - a lot of palm rubbing, but the draw is already developing on mine and I really love it. I also have the SRD modular strop, English Bridle Leather, and Latigo strops. They are all very good with different draws on them.

Also, they are all 3" wide. Very easy to strop on.

I would buy the horshide again without a hesitation. But that is my preference.

I picked up the 2 1/2 inch Big Momma from Star Shaving Supplies. Wouldn't you know, haven't nicked it once. :banghead:

Works like a champ, though.

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Originally Posted by Disburden

Newpaper works but isn't nearly as effective as a real strop, be warned. Also depending on the ink content of the page you're stropping on, some pages may be more effective than others. The more black ink the better, such as a photo.

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Valid point but the newspaper suggestion is strictly a practice idea to develop muscle memory & dexterity to possibly prevent or reduce damaging a strop. It is not intended as a substitute for leather.

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Originally Posted by Disburden

I'd spoil yourself and just get a strop from SRD, they are very nice indeed.

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I second that, but not just to spoil yourself. A good strop is really important, and SRD sells replacement leather and replacement material.

Plus, you'd be amazed at the strop damage that can be fixed with rubber cement and sandpaper. Trust me.