Thread: A new strop: Paddle or "plain" leather?

A very simple question: I've been shaving with a straight for a few months now, and have always been using my Dovo strop (cow leather on one side, canvas on the other). Initially got a few tiny nicks, but my stropping's up to speed and pretty decent, so I'm not getting any more damages when stropping.

So, I'm looking to buy a decent strop. I can handle a regular one, but am intrigued by the paddle strops. Not a 4-sided one, but I'm thinking of a 2-sided with proper width, for the day-to-day stropping needs. What are the ideas on using a paddle strop versus a normal one? What are the main differences? Recommendations? Dislikings? Any input is welcome!

The one I like best and use most often is like this one:
http://www.yatego.com/gepotex/p,4995...n-rasiermesser

SRD, Tony Miller, and many of our other fine vendors carry great strops. Have you checked the Vintage Scent. Leon carries many fine products in Europe. As to what type of strop, I'd recommend a hanging strop. A paddle will work though.

Paddle with a stretcher. What do you like about it, compared to paddles on wood or just regular "floppy" ones?

It is adjustable.
You can turn it loose or straight.

I believe the adjustable one's are called "Loom" strops, The other's are just plain old paddles. Most are normally used for pasting, but can be used for daily stropping needs.
Most of us here use hanging strops for everyday. Paddles and Looms for pastes.
SRD has Loom Strops and Tony Miller used to have paddles. I'm not sure about Vintage scent

Loom Strops! Thats the term I missed! Thanks!

Thanks Jimmy for your input. The looms seem to have their fair share of fans, but seem a little less common when looking at the different shops.

Oh well, they are pricey!
I'd love to have a Livi loom strop!
It has generous measurements.
Jimmy you're so lucky there.

Compared to a quality strop/paddle they're not that excessively priced I think. Are the Livi-looms Puma ones, or does he make them himself?