Im new to the straight razor shaving. I just bought my first setup. I opted to go with the modular paddle strop that Lynn makes. Anyone have any reviews on this? Do they find this to be a good strop?
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Im new to the straight razor shaving. I just bought my first setup. I opted to go with the modular paddle strop that Lynn makes. Anyone have any reviews on this? Do they find this to be a good strop?
I think you made a great choice for a first strop. HAving a paddle strop eliminates one of the variables from stropping (tension) and Lynns modular strop allows you to swap out the face of the strop when you end up cutting/knicking it (and we all have done it.) I opted to get the diamond spray as well for the felt pad. Has served me well.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MattCB
Im glad I made the right choice. I was thinking the same. Less costly if I knick and also the convenience of not having to have a bunch of strops of spray and Crox as well. I was originally going to get a strop them balsa board, but when I saw this it basically eliminated a lot of secondary stuff to buy. I like I can get multiuses from one piece of equipment.
However, I did buy a cheap strop and Cheap razor just for practice technique. For my first razor I went with the Astrale by Dovo. I ordered this today.
It's a great choice for a first (or thirty-first) strop. I started with a vintage Illinois hanging strop and made it look like a dog's chew toy in short order. I got the SRD modular strop and love it. I think a paddle strop makes sense for a newbie as it eliminates one variable (strop tension) when learning stroping techniques.
I agree with everything said so far. This is a great product. I started with a SRP latigo strop that is nicked up a bit and really subsequently learned proper technique on the modular. Now I think I will be calling them up to see what to replace the latigo strip with as I'd like to get back to a hanging strop too.
Does anyone have any thoughts on the difference between premium 1 material and the english bridal for both the modualr and hanging strops?
LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!! its what I bought to start and probably the smartest wet shaving choice I have made to date
Great choice for straight razor users, senior or beginner alike. It is versatile with the replaceable leathers and felts. You can dedicate some to diamond, chrom-ox, use scrub leather, or a couple of different types of finished leather. It is portable so if you are traveling it will fit in a suitcase. Best of all, if you're anything like I was when I started out, you'll put nicks in your strop. If it is ever bad enough, a replacement magnetic pad is relatively inexpensive. I also love the size and build of it. 12" of stropping surface and a very comfortable handle for perfect control.
I have only held one in my hand but I think like Dexter said. You can't go wrong buying one of those. No way.
Huge fan.
Not only is it easier to master than the hanging strop...
If you mess up, you can buy that pad instead of a new strop.
When you need to touch up, the felt pads and diamond spray and/or Crox will get you back to shave ready in short order.
Smooth Shaving...
OK I need more help. I started to strop today using my new Dovo Astrale on the smooth leather of the modular 3 inch paddle strop. IM having diffuculty like the blade is dragging just not going over smooth and it starts to move the handle on me. Im applying light pressure. Im also noticing the sides of the paddle are wearing ( the leather on it ) just the sides. Any advice?
I have one that is loaded with .25 and .50 SRD diamond sprays. It is a great tool to have, congrats.
Try to relaxe - it takes a little time/practice.Quote:
Originally Posted by ELDivo
Are you holding the paddle up in the air?
If so, you can rest the top/end on the counter so that it's more stable. When I do this I rest it on a folded hand towell.
You can also rest the whole paddle on the counter (don't get it wet!)
Slow down, keep your elbow up and a litte drag is normal.
Keep the pressure low, just enough to make sure the spine is in contact.
It's not like in the movies, it's a gentle, rhythmic process.
(Secret - I keep an old strop and razor in my office closet, sometimes on conference calls I mute my side and listen while I strop a razor or two...)
A 100 years ago you would have grown up seeing this being done by you Dad, Uncles, Brothers. When you were bad you would have "gotten the strop" (the hard way).
It's worth mastering, and it will come quickly - and mistakes will be made.
And one day very soon you will wonder why this was hard, and then you will be helping someone else...
Smooth shaving...
What MJC said is all good advice. The 1961 barber manual excerpt PDF, on stropping and honing, suggests practicing flipping the razor between thumb and forefinger, before you actually strop. Lay the spine on the strop and just flip back and forth without the stropping motion. When you've got that mastered begin the stropping motion. All of the pressure is on the spine. None on the edge. Just enough to keep the spine on the strop without lifting the spine. The edge justs glides along.
Until you get your flip and your timing right, in my own experience, there will be a tendency to get micro nicks in the leather. In my case these were at the end where my non dominant hand was holding the strop on the side closest to my body. Once I mastered the timing and the flip this nicking stopped happening. :gl:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwi...t_-_Honing.pdf
I also went for the modular paddle strop as my first strop. It's on its way in the mail from SRD, together with my first straight razor. I went ahead and ordered spare pads also while I was at it, and hope that will be enough until I get my technique to a level where the nicking stops. Will be following this thread to see if there are more good tips coming in :)