Thread: Kanayama/Kanoyama Strop Edited

Gentlemen,

Ernest Hemingway said that if a word does not belong in the sentence, take it out — and he was the master of the crisp and Spartan sentence.

I finally came to the same solution dealing with the Kanayama/Kanoyama strop. These strops come with felt as the second component, and the higher end models also have hard linen as the third component. Eventually the felt component became a nuisance for me: it has a heavy draw, which I dislike, especially because of the arthritis in my hands, and after all these years, I am just used to linen or cotton as the second component and nothing else feels right.

From what I have read, the maker of these strops seems to prefer the felt second component over the linen. No argument there from me, except that the felt component became like that extra word in Hemingway's sentence: that if it does not belong there, remove it. So that's what I did and now am a happy sport stropping on this lovely strop.

If you use the Kanayama/Kanoyama strop, do you still use the felt component or have you gone to the linen instead?

I very much enjoy using the suede secondary that comes with some of different models of Kanoyama strops. I have never used the canvas/linen secondary. On many of my Japanese western style full hollows, post shave, I use Neil Millers natural linen and then the finished cordovan and finish stropping with the Kanoyama suede.

Obie, like Bob, I have a second/third suede/linen component with my 80,000. The linen Kanayama furnishes is very stiff, much like the vintage linens used to be. Maybe even stiffer. I prefer the linens on my T. Miller and Neil Miller (no relation AFAIK) strops. It is more thin and supple. I've used the linen on the Kanayama occasionally to good effect, but it seems to be harsher due to the stiffness. Not in the final outcome, but I just have that tactile impression.

I have used the suede occasionally as well prior to the shell. IIRC JimR once posted that the intention was that the suede would prepare the edge for the shell ? Not sure if I imagined that or if he actually posted it. One way or the other. I was on board with the Kanayama strops from the time Zeth Lent first posted about them. I bought a 90,000 and it was so nice I couldn't bring myself to use it. I ended up selling it, regretted the sale, and bought this 80,000 NOS from a friend who seems to buy two of everything just in case.

Well, along with my beautiful Neil Miller snake skin trimmed shell strop, I almost never use the Kanayama. I am too apprehensive of scuffing or worse. So I routinely use my T.M. horse or my SRD premium 1. Those already have battle scars and work quite well. The aforementioned showpieces are just for me to admire, along with my 14 or so vintage strops. Glad I got over the S.A.D. It was getting out of hand. Figuratively and literally.

As bob, I also love the suede on my #90000.
Especially useful after a shave imho because it will really wipe off any and all moisture really well.

As to the stiffness of the linen component, I too found it a tad on the stiff side.
That was easily fixed though, I simple removed the metal part and soaked the strop in some water with fabric softener in it.
That worked out perfectly and it is now my favorite linen of all I have, alongside Neil Miller's which is equally great.

Originally Posted by Birnando

As to the stiffness of the linen component, I too found it a tad on the stiff side.
That was easily fixed though, I simple removed the metal part and soaked the strop in some water with fabric softener in it.
That worked out perfectly and it is now my favorite linen of all I have, alongside Neil Miller's which is equally great.

Thanks Bjoernar !! I'm on my way to get the Woolite and a bucket .......

Birnando,
I do like your idea of soaking the linen in water and fabric softener. I must try it.
I must say, I still prefer the genuine linen component on my Neil Miller and Tony Miller strops to everything else.
By the way, the felt component on my 80000 is slightly thinner than that on the 70000 Kanayama and easier to use on my hands.

I love using the secondary suede strop on my Kanayama, for me it just feels great to use. I've read that you can use the suede after the cordovan if you want a crisper edge. (Cant back this up as I've yet to try it.) As to the canvas side I used to like it until I tried my Neil Miller linen! I know it's psychosomatic but after using the Neil Miller linen my kanayama canvas just feels too stiff.
I'm now off to do some laundry- thanks Birnando!

Be generous with the fabric softener guys!
I left mine to soak for about 10 minutes first, but that was not enough.
Another 20-30 minutes and it was perfect for my prefs
Good luck

Love the suede on my #3. It gets use. I utilize the linen part of my TM strop from time to time as I do the Latigo, but if I had to choose one strop, The Kanayama will get the nod.

I also love the suede second component it's such a joy to use and man what a wonderful noise and feedback you get from the suede, but I'm no fan of the third linen component so I've use my Naniwa lapping stone and given It about 100 passes It's certainly soften the linen up, but I will also try Birnando's method of fabric softener.