Thread: Help me decide on a strop for travel

Hey guys.

I'm taking a trip soon and want to take my straight razor with me. I've seen paddle strops for sale on various sites, but they all seem to come with a paste already applied to one side, with leather on the other.

If my razor is sufficiently sharp for the trip, and all I need to do is a regular stropping each day, why would I need the paste on a travel paddle strop?

At home, I use my full size strop each day, the linen side first, then the leather. Seems like for travel paddle strops, there's no linen side (at least that I can tell), so I'd be missing that part for stropping.

Should I just get a cheaper hanging strop (leather and linen) for travel and forget the paddle?

Thanks!!

I use a paddle strop for my travels with work. It has done real well for me so far, but the pasted side doesn't get used much. It is nice to touch up an edge real quick and I've done that before with success. It's also a nice size and easy to pack.

The one thing I do miss is my scuttle when I travel. Having warm lather really does make a difference for me but I don't want to risk the TSA breaking it.

Dave

Originally Posted by dkapp

... I don't want to risk the TSA breaking it.

Dave

Speaking of the TSA, any problem traveling with your straight razor on a plane? I'm sure it has to go in the checked baggage, but have you ever had any issue with them opening your luggage to check your razor? I guess as long as its checked there should be no problem...

I've not had any problems with my razors. I pack them in the plastic toothbrush holders you can find at Target/Wal-Mart. I stuff paper towel in both ends to keep the razor from rattling around and put it in between my clothes.

I also don't travel with my best razors because one day TSA will make a liar out of me. They have stolen quite a bit from me over the years.

I use a TI paddle strop for travel. It's got a case that has a holder for my razor built in. I keep one side pasted. There's no harm in having a light paste on one side. I don't necessarily hone my razors before I travel with them, so a few laps on a pasted paddle is always beneficial.

As for traveling with a razor packed in my luggage, I agree with dkapp, I always bring a razor that wouldn't kill me to lose.

I use a TM Apprentice strop as my travel strop. No linen, but if you're only going to be gone for a week or so, that's no big deal.

I use a TM vegan strop. It is lightweight, and rolls up for travel.

as a knife maker i travel to and fro from switzerland and the usa offen never had a problem with the 20 or so knifes in my checked baggage

So you are traveling and on day 3 of your 7 day trip your razor needs honing. Now what do you do? That's why most people have double sided or more paddles for travel.

An 8000 grit slipstone is also good for traveling. It does not weigh that much, and it could probably be packed in a carry on.