Thread: Kanayama/Kanoyama Strop Edited

The Master himself was asked why the canvas strop was so stiff and he said it was the only material he could source in Japan serviceable for a strop. So basically you get it in an unfinished state and it's up to you to complete the process.

I had read this info about pounding it and such too when I got mine. But I used fabric softener and a couple was cycles. I had to reglue the leather piece back on the bottom of it but it works just fine now. As far as the suede part, I do use it, but just for making sure my razor is dry before going to the 70K strop. I used to love the feel of it but now it's not a biggie for me. Just a few laps before the leather and I know my blade is dry.

I have no experience with Kanoyamas newer than..Let's say the 60's.
As to the fabric.
Mine with the fabric have always been great. One I have with the suede is also great. Love that stuff!
One on the left, of course!



Could be they are old, so the fabric becomes limp?

The fabic on yours (Right Side) dont look like the thick stuff I got with mine. Much newer model.

Does anyone out there own or have any experience with the #2196 strop?

According to Fendrihan's It's supposed to have the same type of leather and finish, but be the thinnest one he makes.

Pete <:-}

I have owned a Kanayama 80 and down to a 30 and several in the middle and have used the leather, suede and linen. I personally feel the suede does very little for an edge other then assist in drying the bevel on the post shave, the leather on the 80 seemed a tad to thick.

At first when I started out using Kanayama strops I hated the linen and did pretty much anything to keep from using it but now as several years have passed and my edges have gotten so much better I just have an older Kanayama 30 with linen and no suede, the linen at first was so course but I continued to used it and as the many months have passed it has softened quite a lot and does what I need it to do but then again I also don’t over think stropping anymore, I do 25/25 on linen/leather for preshave and 10/10 on the post shave and that’s all I ever do for stropping regardless of strop used on razor used, I used to really obsess on stropping doing countless reps but figured if I had to do that much stropping I did something wrong during my honing process but that’s me.