Thread: Kanayama strops difference?

Originally Posted by vileru

I don't own a Kanayama strop, but I remember reading in multiple places that the #3 uses cordovan with inconsistent thickness (hence it's bargain price), whereas all the 5-digit strops (30,000; 70,000; etc.) have consistent thickness. Perhaps Kanayama owners can confirm this for us.

I had not noticed any thickness variation in mine, so I checked it and still don't see any thickness variation. I'm not going to bother checking it with a micrometer but there is no noticeable variation in mine.

Even if there were a variation, I would not care. I strop on the surface. The thickness is pretty much irrelevant.

I should note that I only have, and only have used, the #3 strop. It cost me $90 and I considered it to be a bargain, especially considering the price of the other Kanayama strops.

Yea, length and thickness.

Here is a recent thread with good information Nakayama, and a chart Steve56 made up about the various strops.





This is from the Aframes Tokyo web site, regarding the difference between strops.

KANOYAMA Kanayama #3 Cordovan Razor Strop 600mmX66mmX3-4mm

#####the horse hide is natural material, and there is no exactly the same horse hide. Kanoyama strop Co. has experienced hardship to find thick high quality horse hide for last a couple years. when Mr. Naomi want to make thickest Cordovan strop (5mm thickness product like #90000), the original horse hide has to have at least 12mm before the manufacturing processes. The thickness of the Cordovan strop is one of quality indicator, and it is not only one determination of the quality. Mr. Naomi decides the quality of the strop in each models of the strops such as the thickness, the color, the softness, smoothness of the strop, the total quality of the strop, etc.

I guess the strop quality is decided the total quality of the strop instead of just the thickness of the strop, therefore, the thickness of the Cordovan strop is just one of the factor to determine the number of the strops.######

The company name is Kanoyama, but it is stamped Kanayama.

The first finest Cordovan strop is about 3mm thick, and the second piece one is about 5mm thickness that is lower grit than the first finest Cordovan. It can use it before using the first finest Cordovan, or we can use it as we need it. It is much useful than canvas strop, because it is much higher grit than canvas strop.


They are all nice stops, you cant go wrong with either purchase.

There are strop and there are strops, and they do make a difference if you have mastered stropping. If you are just starting out, though a quality strop will not make much of a difference, much like learning to drive in a Ferrari, wont make you a better driver.

Sorry forgot to link the thread. Nakayama.

I'm not so sure about the chart. The 90K is longer than the others so that's one error and the thickness is off too.

As far as leather differences I'll say again my #3 and 90K appear identical to me quality wise and leather type wise.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I'm not so sure about the chart. The 90K is longer than the others so that's one error and the thickness is off too.

As far as leather differences I'll say again my #3 and 90K appear identical to me quality wise and leather type wise.

I wish there were only 2-3 types of strops but I know that's asking for too much plus I doubt Mr Naomi reads these forums

I guess it's all a placebo effect...I can't justify the price of the 80,000 and 90,000 though.

I remember when I was a kid, I'd watch my great grandfather who was a highly decorated vet in WW2 he'd use his leather belt and judging from all the photos I've seen of him he looked BBS in every one of them.

200 US would be the most I'd ever spend on a piece of leather. I'm glad most of you agree thickness is irrelevant.

Excellent thread gents. Today I ordered a #10000 cordovan strop from Kanayama. They don't have any others in stock. I was reassured that for me as a hobbyist, I'd enjoy this strop. Now the #10000 is $119.00 USD. So check with them, if you need something more professional.

Gents, I have been on the lookout for a cordovan- horse, type shell, strop. Now that I've looked the Kanayama, I think it might be it.

Str8up, as you have read, the Kanayama strop is well referenced. Take note that some seriously experienced members of the honing/straight razor community, are owners of this strop. It prompted me to look at it, and thus purchased one.
Regards Bob

Nice thread. One thing I have noticed, not necessarily in this thread, how some would spend $$$$$$$ on a razor, but will go completely cheap on maintenance equipment. I don't get it, but I understand it, I guess, lol.....

And I understand that more expensive doesn't mean better, but I could say the same about the razor.

Oh yes, I have a 30 and an 80. Both great strops.

Yep the chart is off n a couple items but not to worry, the #3 versus the 30000, is the second piece, the 30000 has linen, and the #3 has the sued or at least that's my take cause my 3 has suede, I don't have a problem with paying for the quality,,but the #3 is quality and as good a piece f leader as you will strop on. Of course my opinion, there are a couple f strops I,m looking at that are very expensive, but I think they won't do anymore than my Kanayama #3. Tc

Originally Posted by tcrideshd

Yep the chart is off n a couple items but not to worry, the #3 versus the 30000, is the second piece, the 30000 has linen, and the #3 has the sued or at least that's my take cause my 3 has suede, I don't have a problem with paying for the quality,,but the #3 is quality and as good a piece f leader as you will strop on. Of course my opinion, there are a couple f strops I,m looking at that are very expensive, but I think they won't do anymore than my Kanayama #3. Tc

Funny, I have the #3 and it came with the fabric but no suede however I have that one several years so he may have changed the configuration since then.

You want expensive? I have the Raven Strop. it's very nice and very different but in the end there's no magic there. It does the same old job like all the rest.