Thread: Modular Strop Everyday

I got the modular strop and see so many opinions on laps and material. I am also wondering if I should just wipe the oil off and shave first or attempt to strop and maybe dull the razor? My first time is going to be Saturday...

Originally Posted by gflight

I got the modular strop and see so many opinions on laps and material. I am also wondering if I should just wipe the oil off and shave first or attempt to strop and maybe dull the razor? My first time is going to be Saturday...

I would for your first time just wipe off the oil and shave. Whoever honed the razor for you should have also stropped it for you. Then you can either post shave do some stropping or dry the blade and strop before next shave.

Originally Posted by jkatzman

I think the comment that a modular strop is for beginners isn't true. I have one and it offers much more options then a hanging strop. I have discussed which is better, a hanging strop or hard service and people like Mastro Livi and Murray Carter believe a firm service enables you to do less laps with better results. Again, if a hanging strop works and you want to do 50-100 laps then stay with it. I find I don't need more then 20 laps with my English leather SRD modular strop. I see no difference doing 40-50 laps on the modular then doing 20. Whats more effective is using my 20k Suehiro when the blade tugs then 10-15 laps on the modular strop.

I don't think the comment about the modular strop for beginners was to say that only beginners should get it. I think it was more saying a modular strop is a good strop and would be a good choice for some starting out.

With strops in general we talk a lot about beginner strops but really there is no such thing. We tend to tell people with hanging strops not buy an expensive one because we know they will most likely nick, cut and shave it. However I would never point someone to a strop that would be something they could not use for a lifetime with proper care.

I do agree with you that I feel like I need less laps with my paddle strop and matching the paddle strop with a good high grit stone can make an excellent combination. The same can be said for having a leather paddle and pasted paddle.

Hi Folks,
I'm a beginner in the art, and owned the SRD modular strop. As I understand that there is no much differences between the modular and hanging strops. Just working area 12" VS 23" wish... Almost double. Does it mean, that I have to implement more laps on the modular strop?
My daily routine is 20 laps on scrub lather following 40 laps on a smooth. Next day, 40 laps on a smooth only prior shave. Does it sufficient?
I understand, that everyone has his on preferences for the laps. How I can determinate that?

The length of the strop, unless it is VERY short doesn't mean much. The modular strop is plenty long enough for an adequate stropping stroke. If you try to use the whole length of a long hanging strop, sooner or later you'll make a mistake and do serious damage. Our arm and hand only reach so far without stretching and the modular strop gives plenty of real estate to do a normal stroke, unless you're 7 feet tall.

Originally Posted by Haroldg48

The length of the strop, unless it is VERY short doesn't mean much. The modular strop is plenty long enough for an adequate stropping stroke. If you try to use the whole length of a long hanging strop, sooner or later you'll make a mistake and do serious damage. Our arm and hand only reach so far without stretching and the modular strop gives plenty of real estate to do a normal stroke, unless you're 7 feet tall.

Thank you Harold48,
Peripheries, the size doesn't really matter...
So, how I should figure out the optimal laps number?

I think average is 10-20 cloth, then 40-50 leather before shaving, but it's up to the razor and your face to judge.

Really, it varies. More always helps IMO.

Like most things it is quality not quantity. I do 10 fabric, 25 leather after a shave, just to clean the edge.

For a beginner or even someone who has shaved awhile, the modular strop is an excellent way to go. Being flat on a hard service will give you very good results. The length of the strop isn't as important as making sure the razor is flat and your laps keep the razor flat. I have used the modular strop for over 2 years and have very smooth shaves. You may want to try the English leather pad. I found it gives much better results then the standard smooth leather. I added chromium oxide to the standard leather pad and it does a very nice job refreshing the razor. If you watch Murray Carter or Mastro Livi, they use very short strops and get fantastic results.

I have been doing 15 on scrub leather and 30 on smooth (or 30 and 60 if counting each way).

I have felt pads but not sure they would be like linen?

Being so new I am not even sure if it is hurting or helping.

Thank you jkatzman