Thread: Which Strops for a Beginner

Originally Posted by mannye

The good news is that a decent strop doesn't cost a fortune and you can spend $30 on something nice (many good ones have already been mentioned) that will do a good job but that you won't feel terrible WHEN not if you cut the heck out of it!

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?

Originally Posted by cbaytan

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?

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.

Originally Posted by cbaytan

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?

It's fine. Once you become comfortable with the motion it doesn't really matter what strop you use.


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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!

Originally Posted by bobski

prodigy, I envy you that Kana...lol

Here's all mine side by side