Thread: Moving from hanging strop to paddle

I have several hanging strops but find the paddle much easier to use, just as effective, and avoidant of mistakes. I've used the same paddle for years with no nicks at all and resulting great edges.

Rounding of an edge with a hanging strop is a myth, there are countless treads on this. There is or maybe some convexing of the bevel with any strop and possibly more so with a hanging strop. Convexing of a bevel is a good thing, strengthening the edge, not a defect.

The amount of convexing of the bevel is so minimal, flex in most strops even those glued to a hard surface will give enough to reach and polish the edge. If in doubt paint the edge with a sharpie and strop. If the ink is removed you are reaching the edge. It really is just a matter of preference.

I used a paddle til I got used to stroppping. Now I use a hanger and the last month or so, I let it slack a little. Really improved the edge IMO.
I do 50 before and 50 after.

I use them all hanging, bench, loom. I see no ill effects going from one to another.

When people talk about rounding an edge they usually talk about bad stropping or using pasted strops over very long periods of time.

I'm beginning to really enjoy the way thebigstpendur puts an end to hand wringing in some of these threads.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I use them all hanging, bench, loom. I see no ill effects going from one to another.

When people talk about rounding an edge they usually talk about bad stropping or using pasted strops over very long periods of time.

I have recently converted a few friends and family members to the SR world. This experience has confirmed that diminishing variables is very important. I think the solid strops are more forgiving, especially for newbies. I have now bought and used so many that I am convinced that they are equal to any hanging strop. In fact, this may become the defacto standard - dare I say it - "someday replacing the hanging strop". There is a lot of room for error when using a hanging strop for the first time. While I will never part with mine, there is no reason not to use the solid strops exclusively. In my experience, they are equal to any hanging strop without the "hanging" variables.

I have only used a paddle strop. I've never found a reason to abandon it. I usually stop my razor the night after my shave for a few minutes while watching TV. I find it an easier set up than having one hang in the bathroom. I asked the same questions and got the same answers. Its just whatever works best for you.