Thread: I want a new strop - I think!

Hi guys,

I could use a bit of advice from you folks with a lot of strops.

I have the urge to get a new strop, I mean I really want one!

I have a 3" English Bridal leather strop and I have a 2" cheapo which is pasted.

Here are my questions:

Why do I want or even need another strop?
What are the pros & cons of having another strop?
Why do some of you have so many strops?
I want a heavy draw I think because it keeps me slow and deliberate, is Latigo heavy?
Occasionally i hear the swish sound that means my spine is not on the leather, would a heavy draw reduce the likelyhood of that?
If Latigo isn't heavy, what should I be considering that is?
My wrist aches after about 40 laps and I have to rest for a few seconds before I do the final 40, am I doing something that is making it harder on me?
I have to admit that I don't really flip the razor between my fingers so much as use my wrist to flip it.

I welcome any advice before i go fo it.

Happy New Year all

Up to 2 years ago I had one strop for nearly 30 years. Its an old Horrors. Its a little beat and worn but still a go to. Two years ago I picked up a Red Imp which is my second choice.

That English bridal should be a very heavy draw. Mine is. It makes my horween shell from Neil miller feel slick.

Kanayama is also slick. I enjoy stopping on mine.

I would let up on the pressure you are using. 40 laps should not be tiring.

That's just SAD....

Wooooo hooooo. I got a million of em and they're all bad.

I have a srd English bridle strop with decent draw. Used it for awhile until I got a kanayama strop and that is the only thing I use now.

I have never had wrist problems while stropping but I am also only 25

I think hoh need to lractice holding, flipping and stropping. You shouldnt have issues with lain unless your hands are bad to start with. I take pills daily for my hands but i can strop 200 laps without an issue.

Do we need to have 15 or 25 strops? NO. Its just fun to try out different leathers made by different makers. Vintage is fun to own too. But if you want another, talk to a strop maker and tell him what you want.

I will only ever use my Kanayama which i treasure maybe more than any razor. If you can afford it go for Cordovan is my advice .

Kanayama is a great strop. I own 2. But it is a smooth, fast leather. BUT, Everyone should own one, or two.

See, I too like a heavier draw. puh-TAE-toe/puh-TAH-toe (actually it's puh-TAE-toe, but...shhhhh)

I have never had wrist problems while stropping but I am also only 25

I never did either when I was 25. Actually I never really did till I split my finger in half but...

Steve, you're thinking all wrongly about this. The issue is not whether or not you need a new one. The issue and parameter is twofold and goes like this: whether you want one and can afford one. ...
That is all you need to know.

Fendrihan has a Kanayama on their Boxing Day sale page. Still almost $300 CDN.