Thread: Kanayama 50 Strop

came across a older Kanayama 50 strop and am curious as to when it was possibly made, the upper part had the gold embossing like what is marketed now but the lower does not as pictured so those that know the Kanayama history can you advise, this strop has never been used and is wrapped

I had one with markings like that from a trade and it was from before the Master was said to have stopped making them; about 7 years back or older.
No further info.
Enjoy a great tool!
~Richard

The only difference between that one and mine that is only one year old is, mine has gold in the lettering and mine says 70000. Dought this helps you any but maybe all the gold has just worn off from age?

Thanks for the info gents, the strop according to the seller has never been used and is still in its original packaging from the maker, I have dealt with the seller on other items and he’s a very honest gent to deal with.

I would love to own a vintage unused Kanayama as personally the ones made now see to have some quality issues but not all of them.

We must remember that he made strops for a very, very long time.
Some with other names upon them. Some with the 'certifyd' logo.
Some with razor names and resellers names. It is fairly easy to know which as you get to know his work.

I have one. Tc

I have reached out to the seller and inquired if the draw is similar to a shell cordonan strop, I know this maker processes his leather differently compared to say Horween cordovan but I like a strop that has minimal draw so will see what happens, would however love to own a vintage older Kanayama.

My Kanoyama 3 doesn't have gold wash on the bottom, and it's maybe 5-6 years old. I also have a quite old strop with the remains of the gold llama stamp at top and H. & H. Grinding Co Cleveland, OH and '828' inside a laurel wreath(?). This strop is a harder leather and feels very much like a TM Fast Bridle rather than the velvety feel of many modern Kanoyamas. I assume that it's from the 1950s or early 1960s, a Google of the company does not reveal anything.

I think maybe that if you're wanting a certain 'feel' to a strop, age might not be the way to go about it. Kanoyamas vary in draw, I assume because of the individual pieces of leather. Some are fast, some moderate in draw.

I fear that finding the Kanoyama you want is like brushes, razors, and stones; you just have to try several of them and keep your favorites. That's probably not what you're wanting to hear... lol.

Cheers, Steve

Originally Posted by Steve56

My Kanoyama 3 doesn't have gold wash on the bottom, and it's maybe 5-6 years old. I also have a quite old strop with the remains of the gold llama stamp at top and H. & H. Grinding Co Cleveland, OH and '828' inside a laurel wreath(?). This strop is a harder leather and feels very much like a TM Fast Bridle rather than the velvety feel of many modern Kanoyamas. I assume that it's from the 1950s or early 1960s, a Google of the company does not reveal anything.

I think maybe that if you're wanting a certain 'feel' to a strop, age might not be the way to go about it. Kanoyamas vary in draw, I assume because of the individual pieces of leather. Some are fast, some moderate in draw.

I fear that finding the Kanoyama you want is like brushes, razors, and stones; you just have to try several of them and keep your favorites. That's probably not what you're wanting to hear... lol.

Cheers, Steve

Steve,

I had an 80k years ago and regret selling it and I have gone thru several chaseing that perfect draw so I most likely will take a chance on this one and see what happens.

So many Kanoyama strops made over time by Naomi San the owner of Kanayama Strop Company. French cordovan sourced early and later in production and Japanese cordovan used as well. All materials selected by the maker for the various model numbered strops based on condition, feel and thickness. All strops then finished to that amazing feel all Kanoyama owners know and love.
Many, many variations produced over the years both for a companies advertising needs and just the regular line of strops.

Here is a custom made from about 7 or 8 years ago:

An autographed strop by Naomi San:

A few of the embellishments used over the years:






An couple of order strops in superb condition:



A current custom model used by a Canadian Company as a part of their line of shaving gear.