Thread: Beginner Strop

Strops!

Hanging or paddle which is easier to use for a beginner? Or is it really just personal preference? Any strops you would recommend? I have just purchased a Thiers Issard razor 1/2 hollow ground 6/8 blade with a dreadnought point, should any of these factors (blade type or point type) influence what type of strop I buy?

Please go forth and share your stropping wisdom!

I think personal pref. Some say it is easier to learn technique on paddle, but I started with a hanging and had no problems. Never dulled an edge...Part of it I think was I read so many times everyone dulls razor when learning to strop so I took it as a challenge.

This is what I keep hearing about how people dull razors so I'm feeling the same way, I take it as a challenge to get it right and to never dull a blade!

Cheap and cheerful is the way to go…You'll cut it for sure…We all do…

I started with Larry's Poor mans strop kit, easy and cheap at $25 and cheap shipping to Australia...

Whipped Dog Straight Razor Shaving Equipment

I have a couple of paddle strops, but Im thinking about going back to the hanging strop as I found it easier to use...

Haha I checked it out I like the look of that nice and cheap in case I cut it, I think I might just do that and then invest in a good one in 6 months. Is there anywhere in Australia? I bought my shavette from men's biz but as far as straight razor shaving goes in Australia there is not a lot to choose from here.

Originally Posted by SamSpartacus

Haha I checked it out I like the look of that nice and cheap in case I cut it, I think I might just do that and then invest in a good one in 6 months. Is there anywhere in Australia? I bought my shavette from men's biz but as far as straight razor shaving goes in Australia there is not a lot to choose from here.

There are a few places in Australia, Mensbiz being about the cheapest, but I haven't found a cheap strop in Australia yet… all of mine I have bought from the states or the UK. Cheaper even with postage. If you want soaps or colognes Australia is similar price wise but everything else shop around and worldwide…

Johnny Goodsir – Kangaroo Strop | Johnny Goodsir

I'm going to give one of these a go

I caution against buying a cheap strop. I've seen a few lately from the places mentioned here and te leather was junk. Gator skin would have been smoother. It's just scrap crap strips cut and sent out.
There are plenty of quality strop makers that produce a quality starter or no frills strop.

Originally Posted by SamSpartacus

Johnny Goodsir – Kangaroo Strop | Johnny Goodsir

I'm going to give one of these a go

Those look like nice strops and at a nice price.. however, (there's always a "but", isn't there?) 'roo leather is quite thin. This means that if or when you do do cut the strop, a cut that would be a mere cosmetic flaw on a thicker cowhide strop might cut the 'roo clean through. As nice as that JonnyGoodSir stop looks, it might be wise to start with cow or horsehide.

rs,
Tack

I started with a hanging strop. I managed to nick it a little, but not enough to ruin it. I was able to sand out the few nicks. But just the other day, I received an SRD Modular/Paddle strop in the mail. It came with the Premium 1 Leather. I am really pleased with this strop. I think it would be very easy for a beginner to learn to strop on. After getting enough practice on this, then you may want to move on to a hanging strop - or not. I could see myself using the Modular strop and never needing anything else.

Good luck to you.