Thread: starters kit oppion

Ok I need some oppions in a straight razore beginners start up kit would you prefur a paddle strop or an hanging strop?

I like hanging strops But thats me

The option is mostly preference, IMO. One thing I will say, you can always lay a hanging strop on a table, but hanging a paddle won't change anything. Then again, some of those paddles have a few sides and replaceable "strop pads" for when you nick a strop or want to use a paste. If you still can't decide, just by one of each!

I had a paddle strop for years before getting a hanging strop..I think it is a little easy for a beginner, because (In my opinion) it is harder to roll an edge on a paddle....I think the wood offers a stabler platform in which to learn on...Of course that is just my opinion...I have been shaving straights for many years, but I am not a hone miester....Just a guy who shaves with a str8..

I like the idea of paddle strops, but when you begin you want to start with a hanging strop then can move on to a paddle strop

John,

I use paddles almost exclusively, but I think I am in the minority

Get a hanger & a paddle, and see which one you prefer.

SRD has a fine choice of both, as do Tony Miller (USA) & Neil Miller (UK)

best of luck.

Best regards

Russ

I started with.....

Brand new dovo best quality straight.
dovo hanging strop.
kent blk2 brush,
and mitchels wool fat soap.
all from www.invisibleedge.co.uk. Free web site hosted by Freeola.com

the stropping thing is easy to learn, just go slow to start with, i`ve been doing it a week now and i`m quite comfortable with stropping on a hanging strop.

I went for a brand new razor as that way i knew what i was getting.
I had seen Lots of vintage razors advertised with "loose pins" "hone wear" "pitting" and i had no idea how much of a hinderance any of this would mean to me as i tried to learn to shave.
the would be no wobbley hinges no extra wear on the blade, so the razor would do what it was supposed to do and i thought that was the best way to learn.

I have been wet shaving using a synthetic brush for years now qand wilkinson sword soap. but thought i would treat my self to some nice soap and a badger brush.. and oh my god what a diffrence it makes.
the lather just explodes as you whip it up i`ve tried using the old brush on the new soap and visa versa but the woolfat soap and the badger brush is by far the best combination.

Paddle and loom strops are more popular in Europe. Paddles have the advantage of rigidity when learning to strop. They make good travel strops and are the best type to use with pastes.
I think an inexpensive hanging strop is probably the best to start with. If maintaining tension is a problem you can always lay it flat on a table edge.