Thread: Paddle Strop question

I have a four sided pasted paddle strop from Tony. This thing puts an edge on a razor like no ones business. My question is that all the work that goes into lapping stones and hones to make sure they are true and flat, what about the paddle strop? Since it is made from wood it might be supect to being out of true. It does remove metal so I was just wondering if it would or could cause problems. I doubt it but was just curious.

Glen

I don't think it would matter. The wood is pretty flat and the leather is soft enough (compared to a hard stone) to handle any minor height variations. Tony's paddle strops are the best.

Upon close scrutinisation only can I discern that my paddle is not perfectly flat. Doesn't seem to make a difference as long as I'm attentive to catching the whole edge properly. The hanging strop has give so it does this for you.

X

As long as the poaddle is not too wide it should not matter. I tried a few 3" versions and flatness became an issue over time. My 4 sides are 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" from hardwood and stay pretty true. While the leather surface is fairly hard there is a enogh give to allow for warpage.
I feel the flatness issue is over rated anyway. As X says, as long as you catch the complete edge on the length a pass it does not matter if the edge is in 100% contact the whole time. The narrowness actually makes this work better, not worse.

My first TI paddles were terribly warped and they did a fine job. I just felt they could be made better and developed my own.

Tony

Interesting question. I haven't had my TM paddle long enough to tell.