Thread: SRD vs Kanayama strops

I, too, have been looking at purchasing a new strop. Why, I don't know...other than I haven't bought any razor schtuff for a few months. The last one, and the only store bought strop I have, was SRD modular paddle, which I really like. Especially for blades that come straight of the hone. For everyday use, I have a 3" hanging one I made. My RAD is kicking in, and a beautiful strop may be the scratch to that itch.

I just looked at Scrupleworks site. It looks like they changed their handles. Not sure I like that design of handle. I've never tried one, but, to me, it looks uncomfortable. At current exchange rate, the 3" model looks like it'll be a few pennies over $160, to get it to my door. Which, I don't feel is too bad.

I've also been looking at the SRD Roo strop. At, about 1/2 the $, I may go that route...for now, anyway.

I have one and it s lovely design .

Originally Posted by gary haywood

I have one and it s lovely design .

One what Gary ? Inquiring minds want to know .........

It's a torolf oil tanned linen strop but instead of traditional handle it has a metal tee bar and the loop that hooks to the wall hook is like a clasp. Check his website he may have a picture of one ?

This is picture like mine.

That T handle might be kind of nice to use.

It is it's easy to grip

i have the SRD roo and like it a lot. especially for the price.

Here's my collection so far (plus a second TM I keep in the shave den)..



L to R :

SRD Premium IV w/poly - Heavy draw which gets heavier with use. This strop gets smoothed out over time. The poly backing has a very slippery feeling but it does the job.

SRD Roo - Light scritchy draw. Felt backing on this one which I love. Same material that comes with the modular paddle felt pads. I could crox it up if I wanted but there's no need since I have a few balsa paddles.

Tony Miller - The Formula 1 of strops. Light slick draw. The cottom weave backing is very nice. The surface will soften over time with use but keeps that slick draw feeling.

The Kanayama - Its like stropping on butter. The cordovan is amazingly smooth and soft. The backing is stiff and comes with instructios to break it in. Ive been running a metal ruler edge across the backing every day to help break it in and it's getting nice and soft.

I learned on a TM so I'm a little biased but I think it's a really great strop for the price. The SRD strops are all quality and are great if you want to try something different since they offer a few different types of leather. The Kanayama.. well it's expensive. I would consider this a collectors strop because of the price. It is an amazing peice of material but should be added to a collection after some experience is gained and the SAD is truly out of control. I was able to resist for a whole year.

Ok there's my morning strop wrap up. Time for coffee..