Thread: Paddle strop width

Hi,

Newb question,

I have just bought a Bengall 5/8, and I think it needs a strop.

I'll probably begin with a paddle strop(easier?) I have seen some for sale, some 2" some 3" or wider.

My blade is ~4". My searches so far reveal that it's best to do an X pattern, to allow all of the blade to get some attention.

2" seems a bit small though, or is it? What is the best strop width for a beginner?

Duffer

My personal opinion is that the 3 inch strops both hanging and paddle are the easiest to use. Most of the blades on straights are around 3 inches long and this makes for a good match however there are longer ones out there. 4 inches may be the longest I have heard of in a production razor. Would love to see a picture of it.

Thanks,

Lynn

Just get the modular paddle from SRD, there are just so many functions. beginning or advanced it will fulfill whatever your needs. it is 3 inches wide which should be great for any razor.

Sorry my mistake, I meant the blade length is ~4", it was because I was thinking about paddle widths!

Thanks for the replies, here is a picture...



http://www.flickr.com/photos/owza/4771417642/

Nice looking Bengall. They are among my favorite shavers for sure.

Thanks,

Lynn

I just finished making myself a paddle strop last night (I'll try and take a picture of it soon).

I made it a little over three inches wide because... Well, why not? It will be more that wide enough for any razor I chose to use on it, it is not going to travel anywhere, I have a whole piece of kangaroo hide to use up. I could have made one the size of a cricket bat, if I wanted.

I have also always been curious why paddle strops are so skimpy.

Make your own, if you don't think the store bought ones are enough. It's not like it is a complicated piece of equipment.