I was planning to get Lynn's paddle strop too, for exercising and pastes etc, but do you think using both types not good for muscle memory? All my strops better be either hanging style or paddle type? Do they mix for a newbie?
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cbaytan,
I think you're making things difficult for yourself.
In the beginning, all you really need is one strop and one or two shave ready razors. Forget the pasts; give your strop a hand palm rubbing two or three times a week, before showering, and you're set. The oils from your hands are all the conditioner you need. The SRD, Illinois or Tony Miller strops all will work equally well. Don't worry so much about nicking your strop — maybe you will not nick it as much as you think.
Beware of getting your equipment on eBay, because pictures and descriptions can be deceiving.
In the beginning, don't clutter your shave den with stuff. Get the basics, although quality, and start honing your skill with the straight razor and the strop. Start lean. There is plenty of time for Kanayama, Puma or the rest of the fancy stuff.
prodigy, I envy you that Kana...lol
Really pretty much strops are strops. I will say I love my vintage shell horsehide strops. I and some other members have found Ballistol to work great on strops & leather in general. It is great on metals also I add some to my Smith's honing oil & use it on my Coti with great success.
Yes get a good leather strop & learn to use it before trying a expensive one. Keep your eye's open at garage sales, auctions & flea markets. That is where I have got most all of my shaving equipment. HAVE FUN!
Here's all mine side by side
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