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I am looking to replace an ebay blunder with a decent strop. I am looking at the hanging strops at startshaving.com.
2 questions. ....
1) how do I know what size I need? I have a 2" now and have been using an x-stroke. Would a 3" be better and just use straight strokes?
also, do I need the felt? is it a nice thing to have, or will I probably not use it much?
Thanks!!
If you are comfortable with the 2" one, you can't go wrong with either the 2" or the 3".
I was glad to learn stropping on a 3" untill I got the hang of the x-stroke, but now I am actually using my narrower strops more.
It's all style. Just get what you like one won't do a better job than the other. I would get the fabric, the felt is something else.
I have a 2" and two 3" strops and can't remember the last time I reached for the 2". The 3" are easier and more comfortable to use especially for someone new to straight razor shaving as it gives you one less thing to worry about. I can't speak on weather or not you need felt as I have never used it. I prefer canvas/linen or poly webbing for my primary stop second material... I have heard that felt is excellent for diamond sprays but that is for refreshing and not an everyday strop.
I would say get a 3" strop so you dont have to make the X stroke when you strop. Plus the big strops look cooler..! :D
Dont get the felt, but get webbed fabric or cotton instead.
Good luck and keep us posted!
Since nearly every old strop made in the past century was two and a half inches wide, you might want to consider that size.
Still not really sure what the felt/webbed fabric/etc. side is for .......
I do like the 2.5" strop. I dont mind using the x stroke.
here is what I was looking at...
2 1/2" Wide x 28" Long "Big Mama" LeatherStraight Razor Strop
any thoughts?
This strop says it has 100% wool felt on the reverse side
This vendor was suggested on this site by a member or two.
I was also going to grab a balsa lap-top strop with cromium paste on it for about $12.
Thanks for all the feedback guys. I am going to take my time with this purchase. I already have one "you should have gotten something else" strop, I dont need another.
Personally, I'd go with the "Big Daddy" at 3". I love both my three inch strops, and as already mentioned, I can't remember the last time I used my two inch. I'm considering making it a small paddle to travel overnight with.
Just my 2cents. Keep us posted though!
The Wool Felt is good for honing sprays. It excels with the Diamond spray.
The regular old fabric that accompanies the leather strop is great for everyday stropping. If anything, I'd get the wool felt as an extra for spraying and touch up honing, not for everyday. Also, and this is just personal preference. I don't care for the Balsa wood dealie. I prefer a piece of leather for any type paste. Heck, if you have a Tandy Leather by you, they usually have pieces in their scrap bin. You could could glue that right on the Balsa wood, and have a better honing surface IMHO.....
When do you use the fabric side of the strop?
The fabric side of the strop, be it cotton weave or poly web, is most often used prior to the leather strop.
For instance, you're shaving cream is all lathered on your face, and now you pick up your strop for 30 out and back passes on Linen/Fabric, and then 50 out and back passes on the leather.
Thanks Maxi, I think you answered another question I had also. When someone for example said 20-30 strokes, I take it means one up and one back makes one stroke?
Yes, one stroke=up and back.
I may suggest a smaller strop than others. I think that it makes you focus a little more on what you are doing and gets you a better edge. IMO stropping is one of the most important skills in straight shaving and I have found that any quality leather will get you there as long as you learn how to use it properly. As for the cloth component I dislike the poly webbing mostly for the feel, but that relates to me and no one else. I have a few cloth components and my favorites are still the proper linens both new and vintage,