Thread: first strop recommendation?

Hi guys - I'm new here, have my first razor on its way, and I'm wondering about strops. Would anyone have a recommendation for a good first strop?

I actually have Kanoyama cordovan strop already, but is the length of a sharpening stone and is on a wooden block - meant for kitchen knives, which is why I have it. Not sure of the 'grit'. If I'm allowed to post links here, I could. (Sold by Japanese Natural Stones) ... Anyway, I'm not sure if this is what a razor stropper would want or not.

(Name note: I see these are often called 'Kanayama' but believe actually that 'Kanoyama' is correct. An old thread here shows the maker's shop and that's the actual name on the door.)

I don't know where you are in this expansive world, but if you are here in the USA go to Amazon and search for an illinois 827 strop.

It's affordable/comes with free shipping and does a very good job! I use it as my primary strop after honing. It will serve you Very Well and last for years!!!

Just take your time and pay attention to what you're doing so you don't cut the hell out of it!

kanayama are highly regarded as one of the best strops in the world so ofcourse you can use that (mine finally arrives from Japan on Monday). i suggest you learn to practise on a cheaper strop though.

Go to your local tack/saddle shop and have them cut you a piece of harness leather or latigo (smoothest they have), 3.5 x 26". Poke a hole in one end for a tie strap and cut a handle on the other. Lather it up with your shave soap and smooth it with the side of a coffee mug until th soap absorbs.

Total cost: $8

Originally Posted by cudarunner

I don't know where you are in this expansive world, but if you are here in the USA go to Amazon and search for an illinois strop.

It's affordable/comes with free shipping and does a very good job! I use it as my primary strop after honing. It will serve you Very Well and last for years!!!

Just take your time and pay attention to what you're doing so you don't cut the hell out of it!

Cudarunner makes an excellent recommendation. I have used the Illinois No. 127 for years and it is still going strong. It's a good place to start.

Obie!

Thanks for not only joining in but also allowing me to see that I made an error by not including the model # of the strop that I was recommending and that model # is 827!! Thank You!! : I really appreciate it as when I review what I've written I seem to miss the little details!

For those that aren't familiar with Obie, he's a professional writer and I really appreciate every word he takes the time from his busy day to write for all of us to read!

If you haven't read any of his interviews, please do so as they are well done, you will find them at the home page when you log in!!!

NOW! Back to strops! As I'm hijacking this thread!

You are kind, my friend. Thank you.

Thank You, my friend! As you see I spaced off including the model # once again and had to edit my post after I re read it!

BACK TO STROPS!!!

You may want to consider a 3" wide strop to start with. Unless you're already experienced with an x-stroke, a 3" may be easier to learn on. Straight Razor Designs and Classic Shaving have several to choose from as well as West Coast Shaving. Paddle strops are also a good choice as they eliminate the tension variable that must be maintained with a hanging.

Originally Posted by str8tlkr

You may want to consider a 3" wide strop to start with. Unless you're already experienced with an x-stroke, a 3" may be easier to learn on. Straight Razor Designs and Classic Shaving have several to choose from as well as West Coast Shaving. Paddle strops are also a good choice as they eliminate the tension variable that must be maintained with a hanging.

I'm a big believer in the 3" strop. I have had so much trouble stropping that the thought of an X or other pattern other than back and forth is unthinkable!