Thread: 2" vs. 3" strop...

When I ordered my first "set" from SRD, I really didn't know very much about straight razor shaving...still woefully behind the learning curve. So...just stropped my first one. I didn't know that the 2" strop would not be wide enough when I ordered my first set from SRD. Will the 3" strop be easier to use? Any recommendations? I have a package that will be coming in the next few days from Classic Edge and depending on the answers to this thread may add it to the order to save on shipping charges. Thanks!

WITH ANY STROP,you have to learn an X stroke, or a windshield wiper type stroke.
People will tell you, get a 3 in. strop and just go up and down, thats B.S,you need to learn the X stroke in order to get full coverage of the edge.
Strop width makes no diff.Ithink for most 2.5 in. is the sweetspot

I think the 3 inch strop overall is the easiest to use on a daily basis and the easiest to learn on.

Have fun.

You'll get a lot of differing options on the strop width. I like the old school feel of the 2" strop with D-rings. I also feel learning the X-stroke is an important part of maintaining a proper edge on your straight razor. I own four strops: two from SRD that are 2" wide, one from Tony Miller that is 2-1/2 wide and one from eBay that is 3" wide. All good strops but I like my 2" wide the best.

3". If G-d had wanted us to use a narrower width, He wouldn't have had SRD make their Modular Paddle Strop.

Any size will work, with the proper stroke,and it is not straight up and down.

Several here have said it, but let me be clear...regardless of the width of the strop, learn and use an X-stroke. It will help you make sure you're stropping the whole blade.

Originally Posted by Lynn

I think the 3 inch strop overall is the easiest to use on a daily basis and the easiest to learn on.

Have fun.

This .

I have both, but there is no question in my mind that the 3" is easier.

Originally Posted by earcutter

This .

I have both, but there is no question in my mind that the 3" is easier.

I also have both 2 1/2 inch and 3 inch strops. I agree...the 3 inch is easier overall

Why not consider a paddle strop? They rule out the draw of a hanging strop thus more equal results.