Thread: Have yet to purchase first strop

Originally Posted by rostfrei

I have used a paddle strop since I started shaving w/ a SR @ 3 yrs ago & it works great. Japanese blades are known for their keen edges. I don't see any reason why they wouldn't work although I don't claim to be an expert. How much do their paddles cost anyway?

They have two different strops one mass produced and another that is hand crafted by one of the gentlemen that works there they are both $50. I also agree the filly looks like a good one but $14 to Canada is a fair amount and i may get duty slapped on there as well. Honestly I think ill try one out if it doesn't work well on the razor I still have my kitchen knives.

I really appreciate the great advice I'm sure ill buy more than one eventually anyway.

Julian

Personally, I feel a 3" strop created in the fashion of Tony Miller's modular design is the way to go for a person new to straight razor shaving. The larger width will make it easier to strop initially because an X-stroke is not required, although some straight razor users utilize the X-stroke regardless of their strop's width. The modular aspect of strop will allow you to replace the leather that you might nick while learning for a relatively low cost.

Vintage Blades sells strops like these. Straight Razor Designs also sell strops like these. Tony Miller now only makes strops on a very limited basis, so he probably won't be an option. There are probably plenty of other strop makers that make a strops as I have described. I only mentioned the above vendors to give you a place to look.

Once you become adept at stropping, you'll be able to decide whether you want to keep the strop or go for something different like a HandAmerican strop or something more traditional like a Kanayama strop. The strops mentioned above should be fairly easy to sell on a BST or Classifieds.

Good luck!