Thread: How many strops?

If I utilize the professionals to hone blades (thanks to Mr. Chandler for cleaning, sharpening, and re-scaling my first- it is in far better shape than that in which I sent it!!), what would most recommend I would need as far as strops go? Will I need both a hanging and paddle strop? How many surfaces should I allow for paste?

With my limited knowledge so far I was considering getting a hanging strop for routine use with a leather side and linen side, and then getting a seperate paddle for any sharpening between hones. Is this necessary? When I travel, is it sensible to travel with a hanging strop or should I get a second paddle strop for routine use? Do I need to use a linen side when I am traveling then?

Originally Posted by blnee

If I utilize the professionals to hone blades (thanks to Mr. Chandler for cleaning, sharpening, and re-scaling my first- it is in far better shape than that in which I sent it!!), what would most recommend I would need as far as strops go? Will I need both a hanging and paddle strop? How many surfaces should I allow for paste?

With my limited knowledge so far I was considering getting a hanging strop for routine use with a leather side and linen side, and then getting a seperate paddle for any sharpening between hones. Is this necessary? When I travel, is it sensible to travel with a hanging strop or should I get a second paddle strop for routine use? Do I need to use a linen side when I am traveling then?

I would recommend both a hanging strop (with or without linen its your choice) and a paddle strop pasted with 3, 1, .5, and .25 microns, which means all sides are pasted. You will need a paddle strop to keep your razors fresh between honings...this will save lots of money if you dont plan on, or are not currently honing your own razors

As far as traveling I would use a hanging strop. Tony made a "travel" strop for me, its a little shorter than the normal strop and it has no linen backing so its easier to paack since its more flexible. I am not sure if he regularly makes these travel strops, but if you do travel often, leave the linen side off. I have tried to pack a linen strop and its a real pain in the butt because its so stiff.

Hope this helps a bit.

That would be my advice as well. Tony Millers paddle strops are great, I use mine whenever it needs a touchup. It will not make a butterknife shave ready though. I have a second strop that I take with me when I travel.

Hanging strop for daily use with or without the linen at your discretion. I like it.

Paddle strop with pastes, but I imagine a 9µ would give you more mileage than the much higher 0.25µ on the other end of the scale. It just seems a little like over kill. I use it (the 0.25µ), but I also hone my own. Tony would know best. Trust his recommendation and consider the balsa surface as well as the leather.

X

Originally Posted by xman

Hanging strop for daily use with or without the linen at your discretion. I like it.

Paddle strop with pastes, but I imagine a 9µ would give you more mileage than the much higher 0.25µ on the other end of the scale. It just seems a little like over kill. I use it (the 0.25&#181, but I also hone my own. Tony would know best. Trust his recommendation and consider the balsa surface as well as the leather.

X

Yes I have the .25 on the balsa surface a really great touch.

Personally, I like a hanging strop for daily use and a paddle strop with one side leather and the other with chrome oxide for traveling. I'm not much for pasted strops its just easier for me to give a blade a quick touch up on the yellow coticule when its needed and it usually takes a minute or two.

As you can see there are many opinions on this subject and everyone is correct. Its just what works for each of us. And whatever you do don't strop naked! Only Rich can do that.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

And whatever you do don' strop naked! Only Rich can do that.

Oh thats true especially if you have a flat strop on your lap..

To me a hanging strop is a must. I also have a pasted strop, but I don't hesiate to put my hanging strop in the suit case. I just keep it to the outside standing on it's side.

If you get hones you might go with pasted 1, .5, .25 and then one side with just leather. Ask Tony if you go thru him.

Glen