Thread: Kanayama stroppers happy??

So i have been trying to talk myself into buying one of these strops,for those of you that own and use them,what is the deal?? Do they perform that much better? When you draw that blade down for the first time is it like OMG i wish i spent 300+ for this strop a long time ago?Thanks

I have and use, off and on, many strops and most of the names of the makers would be recognized here readily. They are superb strops. For my own reasons, my Kanayama was aquired because of the reputation of the maker and as near as I could come to understand the absolute quality of his workmanship as an artist. I recently let my 60000 go to a new user when the 80000 were on sale. Both of the strops were/are amazing performers and certainly beautiful to hold and to look at, that said I find them most efficient for full hollow razors.
I find, my T.M., and N.M., + my Straight Razor Designs paddle and latigo hanging in their various forms to be the workhorses of my strops. They are all very efficient. Those that are handmade by the Gentlemen who's initials are above are extra special to me because of the fact that that they made my strops with their own hands. Did I mention I also have SAD.............

I didn't spend anything near that for mine. I bought a 20000 model & am happy with it.
I don't know that they are any better than any other Cordovan or horsehide strop.

I see you have read Zib's thread regarding the Kanayama strops also and I like you, am considering investing in one. Now, I have no idea how it'll perform, I just know I would love to own one when it is fiscally responsible...if ever. Regarding strops in general, I have 3 of them, 2 of which are massed produced-maybe. The third is a TM Latigo that is my daily go-to strop. I love the craftsmanship that went into making this strop. I recently went to TM"s website with the intent of adding another of his strops to my collection only to find out he has no plans on making strops anytime soon as he is enjoying life to the fullest. Cheers my good man. That being said, I think owning a Kanayama strop would be an investment you'll enjoy in the long run. I think it has to do with knowing that pride and skill went into making an original product that will, last, perform, and be enjoyed for years to come. In summary, if you can add a Kanayama strop to your collection, then do so while you still can and have no regrets while doing so.

A quality strop is just that no matter the critter it comes from.

You're paying for the process used to make it and the fact it is handmade in low production. Is it different than a plain cowhide strop? yes it's more luxurious to use. Does it do a better job than a cowhide strop? No I don't think so and I have one.

I've got an 80K on order. It is a very expensive strop and I've had to part with a few razors to generate the funds for it. It is very expensive, but this particular strop is of 3 components - as well as the cordovan and the linen, an intermediate horsehide strop is provided.

If you consider the extra over cost of a third component, in addition to the fabulous leather case (dust cover) that comes with it, it seems a little more justified.

I'm very excited for its arrival!

As a side note, I think that the dust case is an awesome idea. Not just for travel (although I'm not sure I'd travel with this strop!) but I always have a suspicion in the back of my mind that dust is a very very mild abrasive and no matter how much I palm rub the strop routinely; it becomes embedded in the hide.

I don't know why all strops don't have these, or at least I don't know why they aren't a readily available option.

Originally Posted by Scipio

I've got an 80K on order. It is a very expensive strop and I've had to part with a few razors to generate the funds for it. It is very expensive, but this particular strop is of 3 components - as well as the cordovan and the linen, an intermediate horsehide strop is provided.

If you consider the extra over cost of a third component, in addition to the fabulous leather case (dust cover) that comes with it, it seems a little more justified.

I'm very excited for its arrival!

As a side note, I think that the dust case is an awesome idea. Not just for travel (although I'm not sure I'd travel with this strop!) but I always have a suspicion in the back of my mind that dust is a very very mild abrasive and no matter how much I palm rub the strop routinely; it becomes embedded in the hide.

I don't know why all strops don't have these, or at least I don't know why they aren't a readily available option.

I envy you. I used to live in Japan so I would expect the craftsmanship would be impeccable. These people gave us the for cryin out loud There is a complete program video on the pbs site on the making of the samurai sword (a thing of beauty and awe)
10 mins: Secrets of the Samurai Sword | NOVA | PBS Video
full hr: Secrets of the Samurai Sword | NOVA | PBS Video

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

A quality strop is just that no matter the critter it comes from.

You're paying for the process used to make it and the fact it is handmade in low production. Is it different than a plain cowhide strop? yes it's more luxurious to use. Does it do a better job than a cowhide strop? No I don't think so and I have one.

I agree, and I have a 70000..Beautiful workmanship and hardware,
MIke

I am very pleased with mine, #30000. Although, it did take me a while to get use to the fabric component..

I am very happy with my 80k. I wish I could have afforded to buy more, but I sold out of all I had.