Thread: Kanayama question for owners

I recently bought the 70000 model and ive been doing good with it. No cuts!
I wanted a quality strop so i went for it. A christmas gift to myself.

Anyways, this is the 3 piece unit. I understand the leather piece but when and how do you use the canvas/cloth and the suede parts? I did try to soften the cloth but it needs more work so im afraid to use it yet. So... when and how to use these other parts?

Stiff fabric is common.
I know of no adverse effects of using it, other than it feeling strange as-stropping.
My old Kanayamas have very soft fabric components, even the NOS.

I expect the suede is for use after the fabric and before the leather?

Gasman, on the AframesTokyo site, they outline a procedure on how to treat the canvas piece. It involves scrubbing, and a few trips through the washing machine. So definitely do that, or a similar method, as some have said it may cause micro chips if used stiff out of the box. On mine at least, the leather tab on the bottom of it needs to be re-glued back on, and the strop shrinks about an inch, but once treated the canvas is lovely to use. Now the suede piece. I think it has probably not have an enormous impact on things. That being said, my process on my #70000 is 20 laps on the canvas, 30 on the suede and a 100 on the cordovan. Whether it makes a difference is subjective, but it feels great to use, and I am very happy with the strop.

This begs a question.. Why must you do a detailed washing of the strop and 'regluing' of the leather tab?
On a NEW strop? Those things don't come cheaply!
Old one...



You guys have some pics?

I thought the same thing, but when the strop arrived, I recalled what Aframestokyo, the retailer of the strop's instructions on why and how to best use the canvas piece. Please read the Aframestokyo's instructions. It isn't my personal idea, but from the company who sold me the strop

i washed the canvas as recommended but the leather end cap immediately came off. i wish it was sewn on like sharptonns image above and not clued. doesnt make sense from such a quality product otherwise.

Originally Posted by sloanwinters

i washed the canvas as recommended but the leather end cap immediately came off. i wish it was sewn on like sharptonns image above and not clued. doesnt make sense from such a quality product otherwise.

I suppose that is the difference between 50+ years ago and now.
Asking the maker why these details are being omitted is not such a bad thing.

Would take a bit of time and effort to reinstate them? These things should be insisted-upon. For the money, especially!
Oh well. Most fine things go downhill as they fade. Seems typical to me.

I believe the situation re the canvas piece of the Kanayama is not entirely the choice of the strop maker himself. Most who have bought a Kanayama strop are, once treated/washed are very happy with it. When one buys a kanayama, the canvas piece is in a 'Red Imp' plastic sheath, so it appears to me, it is supplied in it's Red Imp livery, and is in and of itself, not made by the Kanoyama company. As far as having to re glue the leather tag, it is no big deal, wipe a smear of PVA glue to it and stick it back with a weight on it. Takes about 5 minutes, and if you choose not to re-attach it, the strop's performance is totally unaffected.
So your Kanayama strop will function fine, the cordovan piece is brilliant as is the suede piece. I have a few Kanayama's and they all perform as the price demands. As far as the canvas piece is concerned, wash it to soften it or don't. It's purely up to you and isn't exactly difficult to do. I guess if it's a compelling problem for some, then there are other Shell Cordovan strops out there, so maybe give one a try.

Originally Posted by bobski

I believe the situation re the canvas piece of the Kanayama is not entirely the choice of the strop maker himself. Most who have bought a Kanayama strop are, once treated/washed are very happy with it. When one buys a kanayama, the canvas piece is in a 'Red Imp' plastic sheath, so it appears to me, it is supplied in it's Red Imp livery, and is in and of itself, not made by the Kanoyama company. As far as having to re glue the leather tag, it is no big deal, wipe a smear of PVA glue to it and stick it back with a weight on it. Takes about 5 minutes, and if you choose not to re-attach it, the strop's performance is totally unaffected.
So your Kanayama strop will function fine, the cordovan piece is brilliant as is the suede piece. I have a few Kanayama's and they all perform as the price demands. As far as the canvas piece is concerned, wash it to soften it or don't. It's purely up to you and isn't exactly difficult to do. I guess if it's a compelling problem for some, then there are other Shell Cordovan strops out there, so maybe give one a try.

Oh yes! I have a few NOS strops attributed to the master from back in the days. Wrap has Red Imp all over it.
Kanayama made strops of American-supplied leather. Made in USA? Red Imp, indeed!

I swear by my Kanayama canvas part.

I used it for a year or two when it was really stiff and it worked a treat.

Recently I caked it in softener and gave it a wash in the machine. Afterwards I tumble dried it.
It is a lot softer now , not that I think it matters..

Also be aware of the ridges along the sides, I'm sure they protrude more on one side ..
The suede I use to clean my edge after a shave, before hitting the strops.