Thread: A good strop for a bad stropper?

+1 on the Paddle Strop. I also have the one from SRD. Hopefully it can minimize mistakes. The only advice I can add is to have patience and go slowly. Build up some muscle memory and you'll get it down!

Hey Savage. I'm somewhat known for having brutalized strops when I learned - ate 5 of them. I'm no help to a new shaver if I hide my screw-up. The strop carnage was from the single misconception that I would/should be able to stop the stroke dead - no movement - while the edge was still in contact w/ the strop. This was one of my more costly misconceptions. There are others. As each misconception falls, my satisfaction jumps. 'Stropping, honing, shaving are all more satisfying.

The best source for perspective on stropping I've seen was Glen's 3/11 'Beginners Tips'.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...ch-2011-a.html

The honorable Mrsell has a good one on another site.

The paddle strop seems a fine way to go. Glen's counsel to use a hanging strop laid on a flat surface would be a good start to using a hanging strop.

2 thoughts on strops: buy cheap, 'cause you're gonna hack it up.
Cheap strops work fine, but have a long break-in, during which time they're
marginal in performance. 1-2,000 strokes w/ the palm of the hand helps
speed break-in.

Or buy one that offers low cost replacement components. This way you can
return to 'pristine' for a modest cost.

Latigo: works great, but is 'grabby' in its draw friction. When it grabs, it wants
to rotate on the spine & send the edge into the leather. This does nothing to
improve your attitude. I'm using a cowhide from hidestoart that I'm liking
alot. 'Has the draw of latigo w/out the grab.

Rest assured that 20,000 strokes from now - it won't be an issue.