Thread: Hanging vs. Paddle

Which strop is better for a newbie? Or is that even a fair question?
I am looking in to buying a strop and can't decide...let me know!


David

For a newbie, I would say that a paddle would be easier to get consistent results since it takes one less variable out of the equation. But it depends on your personal taste whether it's the thing for you, so a better suggestion is get both, and use the one you like less for a pasted strop once you've formed a preference. I use a paddle as my main strop and am happy with it. Others only use them for pastes when the razor needs refreshing.

I just like the paddle better, so my opinion is a little biased.

A hanging strop is better!

I am just kidding, I've never had a paddle strop. But I bet you could pick one or the other and learn how to get good shaves with it for the rest of your life so flip a coin. You can always try the other one some time in the future.

If you travel a lot you might prefer a paddle.

Even then, it still comes down to personal preference. I use and like both about the same.

I have several of each and always go to the hanging.

I prefer the finish off a hanging strop.
Having said that a paddle is easier to learn on... it's harder to roll the edge on a paddle. They are more versatile, easier to travel with, have multiple sides so can function as 4 strops, better for pastes, I've even seen vintage paddles that have compartments for your razor.

If I had to limit myself to a single strop it would be a 4 sided paddle. Or one of those giant loom strops from Mastro Livi...

Thanks everyone, but tell me: What's a "rolled edge"?

I'm a newbie as well. I started with a two-sided TI paddle strop. For me, the paddle tends to feel "short", meaning that the strokes are much shorter than a hanging strop. That said, I just bought an Illinois hanging strop, which I think is more effective (at least for me). I still use the paddle strop, specifically for stropping my razor with a stropping paste. The hanging strop won't be used with paste.

Btw, I think edge rolling (bad thing) occurs when you fail to keep your razor flat and smooth along the strop. Said another way, it can occur if you run your razor across your strop at an angle (as opposed to keeping it flat).

Net-net: you may need to try both to determine which is best for you. I would strongly suggest buying Lynn's instructional DVD to help you learn the proper technique, which is the most important thing (regardless of which type you go with).

I'd buy a high quality hanging strop w/linen. Its worth the money. Start off by laying the strop on a flat table like surface. You'll gain all the benefits of a paddle in the beginning and have all the surface benefits of the handing strop later on.

Paddles are best for travel and pastes.

The biggest problem with paddles is getting enough action on the edge to burnish the edge adequately enough to actually get the full benefits of stropping.

Paddles take more time, or you use a little more pressure to achieve the same benefits. But being fast usually isn't a measure for guys that shave with straights in the first place. Discounting quickness, they both are pretty equal.

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

I'd buy a high quality hanging strop w/linen. Its worth the money. Start off by laying the strop on a flat table like surface. You'll gain all the benefits of a paddle in the beginning and have all the surface benefits of the handing strop later on.

Paddles are best for travel and pastes.

The biggest problem with paddles is getting enough action on the edge to burnish the edge adequately enough to actually get the full benefits of stropping.

Paddles take more time, or you use a little more pressure to achieve the same benefits. But being fast usually isn't a measure for guys that shave with straights in the first place. Discounting quickness, they both are pretty equal.

I hadn't thought of that, very good advice...

the best of both worlds I guess... I really do think a hanging strop gives a much nicer edge.