Custom strops

I am ready to get one made since for the last year and a half I have been using a Thiers Issard extra wide paddle predominantly in addition to a Prima Rindler hanging strop for linen with CROX on the leather side.

I think its time to upgrade and I am sure I prefer paddles. The thing I wish to know is what are the fillets on some paddles for? You know those 2 hollow sections? Do they make any difference or are they for balance only? I need to know as this could influence my strop vendor.

The other thing is what leathers to go for? There are too many choices. Horse hide, latigo, calf leather etc... Im looking for a coarse type leather to do away with the linen and a super fine ultra high quality to finish on the the other side.

Please recommend the 2 best leathers, and let me know if those fillets are important.

Many thanks

the filets or hollow sections are there to make the paddle flex just a little
dont know if its making a differense tho as i havnt tryed a paddle yet

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Scipio

I am ready to get one made since for the last year and a half I have been using a Thiers Issard extra wide paddle predominantly in addition to a Prima Rindler hanging strop for linen with CROX on the leather side.

I think its time to upgrade and I am sure I prefer paddles. The thing I wish to know is what are the fillets on some paddles for? You know those 2 hollow sections? Do they make any difference or are they for balance only? I need to know as this could influence my strop vendor.

The other thing is what leathers to go for? There are too many choices. Horse hide, latigo, calf leather etc... Im looking for a coarse type leather to do away with the linen and a super fine ultra high quality to finish on the the other side.

Please recommend the 2 best leathers, and let me know if those fillets are important.

Many thanks

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I think the two hollow areas are to provide a little give or compliance in the paddle. My TI travel paddle strop has them, but to be honest, I haven't noticed that they flex much. It may be more important on the TI because of its extremely narrow width.

To piggy-back on Jimmys post, if you are concerned about leather selection why not go with the SRD paddle and have the ability to use a full array of leathers and hard felt surfaces?

Definitely the SRD modular paddle... I think the hollows are just to make it lighter/better balanced but I have no clue... The modular paddle looks sweet though, I'm 15$ shy of owning one :D