Thread: 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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

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.

I'd recommend The Filly

https://ruprazor.com/store/index.php...mart&Itemid=32

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.