Thread: Moving from hanging strop to paddle

I assume that it's not a great idea to move from a hanging strop to a paddle for daily stropping without taking the razor back to the stones. The slack in a hanging stop will ever so slightly round the edge and then my theory is that the paddle strop will not be able to touch the very edge of the blade.

Any thoughts on this?

It could be that the rounding is so slight the give in the leather paddle will make the leather shape around to hit the edge. Seems sensible to stick with one type of stop for each razor, or move from a paddle to a hanging strop then back to the stones.

With correct technique which any of us can learn quickly either choice is absolutely the same to the edge. The paddle will force you to slow down a bit and makes it easier to strop correctly but it doesn't give you as much feedback as a hanging strop does. Any slight rounding or convexing you might cause to the edge is near non existent with proper technique and also fixed when you bring the edge back to the hones. If in doubt though then get a paddle to help with strop-effect confidence. Confidence is a very important ingredient in creating and keeping a keen edge.

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.

I thought my acquisition disorder was over, but dadgummit now I HAVE to try a paddle strop.