Thread: Strop

Well I've been systematically researching wet shaving on the beginner boards. I started with a basic set up and got great feedback and from that I've decided to get a strop and razor from wipped dog to see how I like wet shaving at all. Ater that I looked into scuttles because I figured if I don't like wet shaving a scuttle will provide nice warm later regardless of what my shaving tool ends up being. From that I'm still waiting to find out what a SRD scuttle is, but I think if decided on the Schwarzweisskeramik. Now on to Strops.

With the little I know of strops, the advice about having to keep it taut makes me think why not use a paddle and since a four sided paddle is twice the fun, I don't know why this is not the standard. I guess because it was more space saving and efficient for the barbers to use and that is everyones memory of what is best. But for the home wet shaver isnt an object you have to put no phisical effort to maintain it taut (I've never used a hanging strop, but I can't imagine its that hard - but more effort none the less) more perferable. Also with the aim of keeping it taut, what more could be asked for then a perfectly straight plane. Just lean one end on the sink and just hold handle to keep it level while you strop. No need to hang anyting, no need to move to where it might be hanging, no need to excert unneeded effort, and no need to be confined to any one area or have to be standing you could strop with a paddle sitting down! What do you guys think?

Few questions.

With a for paddle versions will I need to reapply any 0.5 micron..... paste later on with some use?

With a straight leather strop do you need to use any lubricate/paste?

Thanks in advance

I don't see any issue with what you said regarding a paddle strop, although a hanging strop is more versatile than you may think at this point. I do suspect most guys end up with a hanger eventually though. Don't know why.

Generally yes, abrasive paste needs to be reapplied now and then. It is not a frequent operation, but it does depend on your use.

On a leather (non-abrasive) strop, some leather conditioning paste (non-abrasive) can be used to treat the leather and keep it supple and nice over time. This is not a "before each use" thing. If you want to do something to the leather before each use, rub your palm up and down it a couple of times (the oils in your hands will help the leather). Applying strop conditioner (or lard, or whatever) for me is generally an annual thing if I remember, or else every few years if I don't!

James

I have two paddle strops, and I like them.

I have four hanging strops, ......and I love them.

I feel that I get better control with my hangers than my paddle. I even made a short hanger (16" or so) for my suitcase when I travel. YMMV.

I learned on a hanging strop and added an SRD modular paddle strop last December. I prefer the hanging strop because I feel it swivels to remain flat under the blade. My stropping stroke is not perfectly planar, and my strop-holding hand must compensate to follow the slight twist. It's something I'd never have realized unless I'd tried the paddle strop.

It doesn't take that much work to hold the strop taut. Mounting height is important, and I think my stroke has improved since I gave up on the towel rack and put a dedicated hook in the wall. It's about 1/3rd the way up between my navel and my nipples, or about halfway up my bicep. At that height, my left elbow (holding the strop) and my right elbow (working the blade) are in the same plane.

The nice thing about a paddle strop is that it's easy to travel with; you don't have to worry about folding it in your luggage. You do have to wrap it to keep the dressings off your clothes, though. The 4-sided one sounds extra-practical. My hanger is cloth and leather, and I keep 0.5u diamond on one side of my paddle strop and CrOx on the other side, each on hard felt.

Another reason I prefer my hanger is that it's longer than my paddle. But again, that preference wouldn't exist if I'd learned on the paddle.

Whatever you get, practice on it a while with a butter knife before you strop a real razor. It's a strange new motion.

I just got my sight unseen package with the poor man's strop last week. Larry sends good info with each item that he sends you. I have been laying the strop on my quartz countertop(because it's perfectly level level) and stroping very slowly and lightly on it that way. I have wondered why not use a paddle myself, but I think as my technique improves I'll probably get a high quality hanging strop. Something about the good quality leather hanging strop is more appealing to me than a paddle, but to each their own!

FYI, I would suggest paying close attention to the paper about SR drag that Larry will send you. You can read my other posts about my first few shaves. There is definitely a learning curve. Prep and skin stretching are very important. Best of luck!

I've used a paddle on a few occassions, but each one included a canoe or white water raft of some kind.


Mick

Originally Posted by MickR

I've used a paddle on a few occassions, but each one included a canoe or white water raft of some kind.


Mick

I imagine you've scuttled on those same occassions.

Oh yes, but only once. A close shave indeed on that one occassion!


Mick

Originally Posted by roughkype

I learned on a hanging strop and added an SRD modular paddle strop

I've never heard of a modular paddle. Looks like you have to periodically switch the paddings. Does that mean a regular four sided paddle (not modular) will not last a long time?

You don't HAVE to switch the paddings, it's just there as an option to have more surfaces with less hardware. Pretty clever design. I put a sheet of magnetic vinyl (from Home Depot, sold as cut-out heating vent cover) inside my medicine cabinet door to hold the unused strop pads.

Unless you really hack it up while stropping or hone professionally, I can't imagine why any strop won't outlive its user.

One thing to consider about the four-sided paddle vs. a hanging strop is size. Most hanging strops are about the width of a bench hone, and 2-3 times as long. That's the size folks have in mind when they recommend 80 laps. I've seen some paddle strops that are only 1.5" by 8 or 9". To get the same stropping from one of those would take a lot more passes and a lot more time.