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What Kind of Strop?
Howdy,
This Christmas I recieved a 5/8 Heinr Boker King Cutter straight razor and accessories missing the strop. I have an idea of what kind and how much it will cost, but should I get a classic hanging strop, a paddle or a loom? This is my first actual straight razor (dont think the shavette counts) so I trust in the wisdom of those with far more experience than I have.
Thanks
Dan
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Welcome.
Do you have a budget in mind? For a number of reasons I prefer a paddle strop for those new to SR shaving. Lynn Abrams Modular Strop is hard to beat for the quailty and price.
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I have all three kinds. I find the loom to be more a conversation piece and less practical. A paddle is best for travel. A hanging is the classic way and the one used by probably 98% of folks historically. Of course you need to try all 3 and then decide which you like the best.
I know easier said than done. But if you can it's the way to go. Otherwise you're just guessing and will wind up with multiple strops down the road.
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I didn't spend a lot of money on my first strop, it is a classic hanging strop. No regrets. Most people beat the first one up a little, so my suggestion is to get something that replacement components are easy to come by. I know a few of the vendors offer them, it is quite a bit cheaper than a new strop.
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I started with, and continue to use , a Star Shaving Big Daddy 3" bridle leather strop. It was an economical choice at first, but turned out to be a very good strop. The 3" width helped me in learning the proper technique as I struggled with narrower strops in the beginning.
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I made my first strop by stapling unknown leather to a board. meh.
I bought a vintage strop and reconditioned it for good results. Then i bought another vintage...not as good, but now it holds paste. Then Santa brought me a SRD hanging strop...which rocks!
If you are like us, you will have more than one (soon).
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I love my plain vanilla strop from Tony Miller. It cost about 40 and quality is there and for 40 I don't think you can get much better. Mine also has the cotton/linen strop with d rings. He will make it however you want. Really great guy. Check him out by googling his name
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Dan,
I have used all three types of strops noted here. The loom and the paddle were awkward and are gone. I'm afraid I am a devout fan of the hanging strop, preferably the 2.5" with D-rings. I also have the 3" with D-rings. All work fine. If I may suggest, start with a 2.5" strop, which will require the X-pattern of stropping, or the easier 3" strop. You can experiment with other types of strops later as you hone your skill with the straight razor.
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There might be a good argument for a beginner strop, but rather I would recommend a 2.5 inch hanging strop. You can use it flat on a surface to start, then hang it, later.
I think a lot of guys shy away from 2.5 inch because we say "you have to use a x pattern". That hasn't really been my experience. I'd say more, "you'll have to strop the entire edge comprehensively". Despite that sounding wickedly awkward.
I like 3 inch strops. I think most beginners would prefer them too. I find them a little heavy and over-engineered, maybe? You want to hold the entire strop flat, using some tension. So, surprisingly at the end of the day I prefer my strops light and thin.
It's really the only strop I've used continuously. Like Nelson, I've bought and gotten rid of a few (or don't use them much). I've used many varieties, especially paddles, but I think I'm bias from habit.