Does anyone advise using a paddle or a hanging strop? Which one gives better results?
thank you :)
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Does anyone advise using a paddle or a hanging strop? Which one gives better results?
thank you :)
It's not about better, they both have their place depending on the desired result and the paste involved. A flat paddle will produce a flat bevel where a hanging strop can produce a boat hull shaped bevel.
They both do the same thing equally well. The paddle is easier to use but most are narrow which can make it more difficult. Most use the paddle for travel use. The hanging strop is the classic way to do it. In the end it's your skill that does the job.
Yes to what Spender said, when I think of paddles I think of pasted strops where they excel. A small paddle makes a good travel strop but now days I travel with nylon.
Thanks for the views guys! I can make a paddle strop so it will be less cost, on a tight budget you see, same for getting some hones why I'm looking into the welsh slate...
Hanging strops can be had for pretty low cost from multiple vendors. If your new to straights I would put off getting hones at this point and just get a shave ready straight. Learn stropping first.Quote:
Originally Posted by CH4x
If cost is a big issue still at the time you are ready to hone paste may be a better option you can do everything with paste as far as getting the blade sharp just can't do restoration with them.
I have seen the cheap hanging strops you can get but the one thing that gets me is from the cheap ones and the higher quality ones. Is the actually a big difference? Oh I have bought a cheap vintage razor from eBay as a beginner to learn with, though it might be the right option, I have a post on this section with pictures of my razor if you would like to have a look :)
There are some differences but nothing huge low cost versus high as long as you buy from a good vendor. As you get into the high end you get more frills and options typically. But I have used strops from star shaving with good results, poor man strop from whipped dog, and my current fav an imperial Russian Illinois strop, I really like true linen for my second component. I have also heard good things about the fillly from ruprazor. All of these are under or at. 50 dollars (us)
Thank you for your help sir.
CH4x,
I have used paddle strops exclusively now for about two (2) years; for me, they are easier and more comfortable to use and because of that they will, for me, give better results than a hanger. Many people however prefer the hanger :)
I currently use a Neil Miller Modular paddle at home and use an SRD double sided paddle for travelling.
Have fun !
Best regards
Russ
So really, we are talking about two different things, the strop material and or quality and learning to strop. You can buy the most expensive highest quality strop and if you haven’t developed good stropping skills, the strop will not make much difference. It fact odds are, you will damage the strop before you develop skills.
Paddle stropping and hanging are different skill sets, due to the mechanics. They are similar but not the same.
I would recommend you practice on a clean leather belt, inexpensive hanging strop or better yet nylon strapping from a Fabric store. Nylon is very forgiving and difficult to cut or nick, perfect for learning. You should be able to buy a yard for a couple of bucks. Once you have developed muscle memory, probably 6 months of daily stropping then go to leather. The effect on the bevel and edge will be about the same. It is really more technique than the type or the material of the strop.
When stropping forget what you have seen on TV, Movies and YouTube. Go slow and keep the razor flat on the strop. Pay attention at the flip. Getting the razor on to the strop is where people get into trouble. A second of inattention will cut your strop, Slow and Consistent is what you want.