Thread: What is the width of your strop?

I am curious about which width strop you use (2", 2 1/2", or 3" ) and if there is a reason, Why?

I've got them 2 1/2 or 3" and that is about it. I have a number of vintage strops and that was the default for pro barber strops in the old days. Current fashion is 3" and one or the other if fine with me. Add to that a couple of mfgs who make a 2 3/4" strop and that is fine also. I do the x stroke on a strop out of habit and I can do it on any of the widths just fine. Which I use on a particular day is as random as which razor or soap/cream I choose.

I prefer a 3 inch strop so that the whole blade is on the strop at the same time. It helps me with perfect stropping as I like to strop longer than some people do.

I have all lengths but to tell you the truth I prefer the narrower classic sized strops.

Originally Posted by basil

I prefer a 3 inch strop so that the whole blade is on the strop at the same time. It helps me with perfect stropping as I like to strop longer than some people do.

+1 to was basil just said!!!

3" for me. Why? Because it's bigger!

Actually, I strop out of habit with a subconsious x-pattern so I probably don't need a 3" strop. I just feel they are more solid and provide more surface area.

I like to use narrow ones. 2 1/2 is max.
why? it may be easy to use it . i am not sure.
hope this helps

For over 30 years, I used only the vintage 2 1/2 inch strops and swore I would use nothing else. Well....... couple years ago I tried a 3 inch and have not used anything else since. I think from a comfort standpoint and ease of learning standpoint, that they cannot be beat. Most razors are 3 inches long and it makes for a perfect match up, whether you strop back and forth or like to do a little X stroke as well. I do still have a bunch of vintage strops around, but mainly use them to compare results against on the new stuff.

Have fun,

Lynn

2" Illinois Russian Leather, all you really need.

3" for me. I'm not a big fan of X strokes.