Thread: SRD vs Kanayama strops

I am considering buying a strop and wanted to get the opinion of our members on which they prefer, the SRD strops or Kanayama? I like the SRD because it is 3".

Originally Posted by jkatzman

I am considering buying a strop and wanted to get the opinion of our members on which they prefer, the SRD strops or Kanayama? I like the SRD because it is 3".

Thought you were happy with your Livi loom?

Are you considering an SRD modular strop? It's on my list of potential new strops (as is the Livi).

SRD makes a line of different strops and they are all top notch and do the exact same thing as any other quality strop. The kanayama is in a class by itself as is the Livi Loom strop. They just feel different so it's a matter of the feel you prefer. If you prefer buttery softness you will love the Kanayama.

Der "Old Traditional" - Streichriemen comes to mind as an alternative to the Kanayama strops. Also Skrupleworks strops. Both are cheaper, and at least as well made. The Skrupleworks linen is unsurpassed.

Also Straight Razor Magazine: Review: Straight Razor Designs - The full strop line is worth taking a look at. The SRD strops are more, well, crude (for lack of a better term). But they are significantly cheaper, and the leather strips can easily be replaced should you nick one.

My personal opinion: Forget the hype, go for an SRD strop if you want value for money. If you want something fancy, get a TDS or Skrupleworks strop. Kanayama strops are, in my opinion, totally overrated.

Originally Posted by RobinK

Der "Old Traditional" - Streichriemen comes to mind as an alternative to the Kanayama strops. Also Skrupleworks strops. Both are cheaper, and at least as well made. The Skrupleworks linen is unsurpassed.

Also Straight Razor Magazine: Review: Straight Razor Designs - The full strop line is worth taking a look at. The SRD strops are more, well, crude (for lack of a better term). But they are significantly cheaper, and the leather strips can easily be replaced should you nick one.

My personal opinion: Forget the hype, go for an SRD strop if you want value for money. If you want something fancy, get a TDS or Skrupleworks strop. Kanayama strops are, in my opinion, totally overrated.

What's your take on Loom strops....the Livi's, SRD, etc.....

Originally Posted by Phrank

What's your take on Loom strops....the Livi's, SRD, etc.....

Call me bland, but I like my kit efficient, and effective. I use my SRD Lynn Abrams modular paddle a lot for Lather Catcher blades. Other than that, I do not find paddle or loom strops functional. I have an SRD strop in my bathroom, and that is that. In case you are wondering, it is the English bridle leather extra long version with a Scrupleworks linen strip. And that combination will follow me to the grave. It is affordable, nice looking - and effective.

I really like the Mastro Livi loom strop but just feel I'd like to give the traditional strop a chance to get the old juices flowing again.

Originally Posted by RobinK

Call me bland, but I like my kit efficient, and effective. I use my SRD Lynn Abrams modular paddle a lot for Lather Catcher blades. Other than that, I do not find paddle or loom strops functional. I have an SRD strop in my bathroom, and that is that. In case you are wondering, it is the English bridle leather extra long version with a Scrupleworks linen strip. And that combination will follow me to the grave. It is affordable, nice looking - and effective.

Thanks for the links by the way....

I'm looking at the Scrupleworks strops, I have a Kanayama 6, what do you think....Swedish Bridal or Oil tanned...his craftsmanship seems spectacular.

Originally Posted by Phrank

what do you think.

I think that if you have one strop that works for you, that should be the end of it. Other than that, Scrupleworks strops are simply beautiful, yet affordable. Personally, I would go for the Swedish bridle.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

SRD makes a line of different strops and they are all top notch and do the exact same thing as any other quality strop. The kanayama is in a class by itself as is the Livi Loom strop. They just feel different so it's a matter of the feel you prefer. If you prefer buttery softness you will love the Kanayama.

Just to throw on the pile, I'm in league with this. I keep my old Illinois strop because I like the heavy draw of the well worn in bull hide, but I can't bring myself to set the SRD aside and put it to use. I like SRD's linen, and I'm loving the buffalo hide. It doesn't really do anything different to the blade than the less pricey Illinois strop, but it feels nicer to work with. They're just hard to beat, especially for the price.