Thread: Paddle vs hanging strop?

I'm new to straights and the only strop I have and use is the SRD modular paddle. It works for me and I continue to refine my stropping technique on the modular paddle.

I would like to ask if it is necessary to (eventually) move to a hanging strop? I know that more leather and fabric choices are available for the hanging models but in purely functional terms, is the paddle enough strop for a guy who isn't overly curious about various leathers and draws?

I prefer to use paddles with balsa for Diamond slurry and CrO but you must have a plain leather strop for final prep of the razor. Paddle or hanging strop is a matter of choice. I use a plain leather hanging strop for final prep. bj

I have some Balsa pads with 1 micron CBN, 1/2 and 1/4 CBN, gotta charge up the balsa with .5 CroX next. I have an Illinois 127 hanging strop, but most of the time I just put it on the counter and strop with it laying on the counter top, figure I would ruin an edge less this way since it would act more like a paddle strop. I also have a HorseHide and Roo untreated leather 3x11 strop with a steel base. All of the balsa and HorseHide and Roo strops have magnetic backers to them (glass as well on the Roo) to use on the steel base. I have a SRD Premium 1 Strop 3" coming in as well! Paddles in Balsa are nice for slurrys and stuff, but the leather is needed as well like was said above.

No, a paddle strop is all that you need, a linen could keep your leather cleaner by stropping pre-leather, but a damp paper towel once a month or so will also keep it clean.

A paddle is the best way to go for someone new, as it eliminates the flatness issue that so many seem to have a problem with. If the strop is not flat from the spine to the edge, under the razor, the strop will roll over the edge and round or break it. A paddle eliminates this issue as long as lite pressure is used.

Always strop with lite pressures.

Paddles were very popular at the turn of the century, and are still an effective way to strop. 50-100 laps will keep you shaving very comfortably for a long time.

Originally Posted by Euclid440

No, a paddle strop is all that you need, a linen could keep your leather cleaner by stropping pre-leather, but a damp paper towel once a month or so will also keep it clean.

I actually oil the blade after the shave and I use a paper towel to wipe off the oil before I strop. (I live by the ocean so the oil is cheap insurance.)

I was wondering if the linen made a world of difference in prepping the blade. If it's main purpose is to clean the edge, I should be good to go with my current regimen.

Well, it is probably dual purpose which was why real linen was so popular.

Linen is abrasive, just run your fingers on it briskly.

A good fine, stiff weave canvas will also produce more polish than a softer weave washed cotton denim for example.

So as a plain strop linen is somewhat abrasive and the weave can realign the edge and provide some polish and keenness, pasted it will absolutely provide additional keenness.

But I strop on an alternate strop, suede leather, canvas, linen or plain paper prior to leather stropping, to clean the edge and keep my good leather clean. For added keenness I go to a pasted strop of CBN or Diamond or both.

I do also spend extra time cleaning the blade and edge with hot water, microfiber and hand stropping post shaving, so my edges are usually pretty clean.

If I could find a good source for new real linen, I would use it.

I started with a hanging strop and didn't get a paddle until many years later. That to use occasionally with pastes. Now I have the Lynn Abrams modular paddle and that is a really good tool because of the versatility of being able to change stropping materials to suit the need. Really it is what you get used to. I still use the hanger daily, and the paddle only once in awhile.

Like was said above, I always strop after the blade is rinsed and dried. Get that micro gunk out of the striations.

I have and use both.
The SRD Modular for touch up, travel and many days for post shave strop.
And the hanging SRD XL for regular pre-shave and post honing stropping.
For me it was easier to learn with a paddle but after a few years - and when I started to hone - the hanging strop started to get more use.

There is a slight amount of "Adjustment" that is available in a Hanging strop that is not there with a Paddle/Bench strop

The lack of that "Adjustment" is really good when learning or when using pastes.

The ability to have that adjustment in tension from a hanging strop is sometimes wanted back once you have mastered a stropping technique.


This is just an opinion and the difference is negligible at best and might only be perceived and not actual

Thanks Glen!