Thread: Beginner Strop

BTW, it's just my opinion, but I think it would be easier not to round your edge on a Paddle type strop. No sag in the leather, and all you have to do is concentrate on your strokes, not on holding a hanging strop taut. At least it seems that way to me.

Yeah I have read many reviews that the kangaroo leather is thin so I assume it won't last as long as a cowhide, buffalo, English bridle etc just with general use? And then as you say a nick could be a cut with a roo strop.

Thanks for all the advice guys, keep it coming.

I've got hanging strops. The first two I managed to nick, with decreasing frequency over time! There are people who have never nicked a strop, but it happens just when you think you are home and dry! So whatever you do, get a basic model.
I've also got a paddle in order to put some paste on (napped leather). To be honest, I kind of wish I owned a smooth leather version, they are very easy to use. They also have the advantage for me that they are easy to transport. I work around a bit, and don't have my own fixed shave den, so I've been hunting for hanging pegs in many bathrooms around the UK!! However, if you are pretty settled I guess thats not a big issue!

Originally Posted by SamSpartacus

Yeah I have read many reviews that the kangaroo leather is thin so I assume it won't last as long as a cowhide, buffalo, English bridle etc just with general use? And then as you say a nick could be a cut with a roo strop.

Well, the 'roo is thin but it's very tough. I'd guess that it would last at least as long as the other leathers in normal wear. Now that I think of it, I don't know of anyone who has actually worn out a strop. The main problem seems to be that we start using something else, neglect the old strop, and it dries out. Even in that case we can usually resurect the poor old gal if we wish.

rs,
Tack

Properly cared for you'll never wear out any leather worth making a strop. Probably not 2 lifetimes.

SO don't over look any opportunities you have for vintage/used/antique strops. I started that way.

They come pre-nicked and everything. Re-conditioning may or may not be needed, basic leather care/sense is all you need and there's thousand posts on here discussing such already.

Start slowly and perfectly. focus on perfect. speed up gradually (over many sessions) and be very careful to retain the perfect action as you speed up. Some things change with speed. Personally I found that focusing on the "STOP" before the "FLIP" and actually delaying the (re)touching of the edge until opposite direction of motion had begun worked great. Well that's my brains.

And i didn't nick any strops until i got a NEW one (the 4th!, but insignificant nicks they are).

___

Oh this JohnnyGoodsir is a hoot, thanks for the link (and that's a dandy strop). Here's some of his stuff for the others:

So I bought one of the strops from Johnny Goodsir and hit them up for a free sample of their shave soap, I will let you know how both go. The strops were on special for $60 but since I bought mine I noticed they have put the price back up to $89! So I got in just in time!

Both will do the job, it is all about preference really.
I prefer hanging strops, and as an alternative to those, I also enjoy a good loom strop.
But whatever you choose, all three types will do the job, providing good materials and finish along with technique and muscle memory.

I started with the "Filly" from Ruprazor.com. It's made of good quality 9oz leather and is treated on the rough side with Chromium Oxide for tune ups. It's a great strop for a great price IMO.

I just bought my first strop... cheapy one from amazon, just got it in today and plan on practicing with one of my razors that isnt quite ready for shaving but has a edge on it. Scalpmaster Barber it is i think... horse leather and canvas, plan on having my father in law see what he can do about sharpening it for me, he is a bladesmith and had made knives by hand with very sharp blades! Anyone know about this strop that can give me insight other than you get what you pay for?