Thread: Strop type after using tape, paddle or hanging, or it does not matter?

I am not currently using tape and use a paddle strop with paste after a hone, then going to a hanging strop for every day use.

My Question: If I choose to use tape in the future, and I probably will with a new razor, does the paddle have enough give to get to the edge with paste, or do I need to use hanging strop due to the slightly different angle without the tape? Maybe leave the tape on for the paste, then remove for daily use?

I can imagine that if tape was used to hone, and then one used a balsa strop, the edge might not make contact. That might also just be academic in that case as well.

Thanks.

I use a pasted paddle strop right after the hones, and leave on the tape. I don't think that it makes much difference, but I like consistency!
When I finish with the pasted strop, I finish the razor with a plain hanging strop after removing the tape. You don't need to tape the spine for daily stropping.

yeh I leave the tape on after honing when I use my pasted "Balsa" Paddle strop, then remove tape & move to my Big Daddy hanging strop with felt then English Bridle

after shave test I only use my Scrupleworks natural linen & Vegi tanned Horse or Roo when traveling hangers

now if I used a paddle with leather faces or a bit of flex I would remove the tape personally as the flex should reach the edge right

I never use tape with a strop no matter the type. After the hones the tape comes off and that's that.

Yes, the strop will flex enough to polish the whole bevel to the edge. But it does not matter, you can strop with or without tape and it makes no difference.

When honing, I routinely stop between stones, to clean the edge, without removing tape and then strop without tape when finished honing, on pasted strops and plain leather.

Either way works, just make sure you have not burned through your tape and are smearing glue on your strop.

WD40 will remove any tape residue from your blade, just spray a shot on a paper towel and wipe.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say something controversial. Stropping is overrated. If you shave, you need to strop. I do too. BUT, all of these extensive stopping scenarios is a waste at best and detrimental at worst. A well honed razor has an edge so thin that a few passes is enough to straighten it. Ten is enough, twenty if you are justifying the purchase of the strop. The curve of the strop negates the need for tape. A very light touch and ten to twenty laps is plenty. But if more laps works, go for it.