Thread: Kanayama draw

When asked why he used such stiff material in his fabric strop the maker said it was the best he could source locally.

Personally I never used mine. There are just so many better alternatives available.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

When asked why he used such stiff material in his fabric strop the maker said it was the best he could source locally.

Personally I never used mine. There are just so many better alternatives available.

Yes, agreed, the linen/canvas that comes with my Tony Miller strop is far better it seems. Also not going to use it, I think

I’ll offer a dissenting opinion. I use my Kanoyama canvas a lot. I’m using it as a part of stropping to maintain the Sub Cero that now has 110 shaves on it and the edge is still smooth and comfortable. Can’t be much wrong with it.

Originally Posted by Steve56

I’ll offer a dissenting opinion. I use my Kanoyama canvas a lot. I’m using it as a part of stropping to maintain the Sub Cero that now has 110 shaves on it and the edge is still smooth and comfortable. Can’t be much wrong with it.

What did you to soften it up then? Because my canvas is hard like stone.
I did what you earlier but it's still quite hard.

Originally Posted by shadowman12

What did you to soften it up then? Because my canvas is hard like stone.
I did what you earlier but it's still quite hard.

Post #19 above. It was softened enough after that.

Did you raise a nap? That makes a difference.

Originally Posted by Steve56

Did you raise a nap? That makes a difference.

Yes rubbed the canvas with my worn-out Atoma 400 over the canvas side.Little difference. But my Atoma 400 is very worn-out I must admit.

I think a lot of the preferences are just that, preference based on feel or feedback vs performance, and that’s fine, folks need to use what works for them and pleases them. But there’s no doubt that it performs well if you can maintain an edge to 110 and it's still performing well.

I have a new one or two laying around, maybe I’ll try Iwasaki’s recommendations on one.

Over the time that I have belonged to this splendid group I have viewed multiple concerns with the canvas used on the Kanayama strops. Jim Rion suggested that I used a stiff nylon brush and bend the material until I was happy with its condition. I followed his suggestion and have great results. BTW Illinois strops have a similar cloth (firehose) material. Just saying...

I also very much enjoy and appreciate using my Kanayama canvas component. After I softened the surface with my Atoma it has been nice and comfortable in use, giving excellent edge improvement results. If mine were somehow taken out of commission, I would certainly not hesitate to replace it ($32-34 online).