Thread: Kanayama stroppers happy??

Originally Posted by altshaver

I really hate the word "cordovan" because it can be warped in any way a person wants.

That is very true - considering the original cordovan leather was made from tawed goatskin which was often painted and used to adorn walls.

Regards,
Neil

Mr. Deviere,

Since, by your own admission, you have no experience with Kanayama strops, it might behoove you to consider that, not having any idea about what something is typically is NOT a qualification to write at length about its value.

Arguing from ignorance is very rarely a good idea.

The kanayama strops will blow you away when you see them in person.

About 6-8 months ago, I tried to source some Cord leather and was instantly confused. Shell, 'North or Cord", Tanning, etc. that are specific to each Tannery.

The reason I wanted to make my own strop was to use to the best leather I could find and save myself money by DIY. However, Cord leather is expensive. I cannot remember the exact quote, but I believe it was at least 300 dollars. Moreover, that 300 dollars would only be enough leather to produce 3 strops.
Not to mention possibly ruining the leather since I have no experience working with hides. Needless to say, I declined the quote.

After this, those HandAmericans and Kanayama strops did not look so expensive

Originally Posted by gary haywood

damm my file work on my custom livi spine has scratched my kanayama leather slightly.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I learned the hard way on my Premium 1. I have a default strop for all worked spines that might possibly damage the surface of the strop.

I don't understand why some one would need a default strop for a $300.00 razor from a "Master" craftsmen....

Originally Posted by Domino

I don't understand why some one would need a default strop for a $300.00 razor from a "Master" craftsmen....

I think Gary is just saying that a razor with a worked spine scratched his Kanoyama strop. I don't believe the strop was bought for the singular purpose of using razors with worked spines. On the contrary, I wouldn't use a razor with a worked spine on Kanoyama strops.

I think Jimmy was just saying that he has a strop that he solely uses for razors with worked spines. I doubt it is a Kanoyama strop.

Again, the $300 dollar thing?

Also, no need to put Mr. Naomi down. He makes an excellent product. The theme in this thread is that Kanoyama strops are nice, but not for everyone for possibly different reasons, the main one being money. Honestly, you can use untreated leather as a strop. In this regard, all strops are overpriced.

Originally Posted by Neil Miller

That is very true - considering the original cordovan leather was made from tawed goatskin which was often painted and used to adorn walls.

Regards,
Neil

That is really interesting. I didn't know that. Thanks for adding that.

My point was if the razor was crafted by a, "Master" it should not be any problems with stropping. There is only one person responsible for the fit and finish of the razor. I would not be happy if a razor with poor finished work ruined my kanayama strop..

Ah, I re-read the post again. I see what you are saying now. I think that is more of a nature of the beast sort of thing. I have to say that I am not a huge fan of worked spines; however, many people do seem to like them.

Originally Posted by altshaver

I think Gary is just saying that a razor with a worked spine scratched his Kanoyama strop. I don't believe the strop was bought for the singular purpose of using razors with worked spines. On the contrary, I wouldn't use a razor with a worked spine on Kanoyama strops.

I think Jimmy was just saying that he has a strop that he solely uses for razors with worked spines. I doubt it is a Kanoyama strop.

Again, the $300 dollar thing?

Also, no need to put Mr. Naomi down. He makes an excellent product. The theme in this thread is that Kanoyama strops are nice, but not for everyone for possibly different reasons, the main one being money. Honestly, you can use untreated leather as a strop. In this regard, all strops are overpriced.

quite right i did'nt realize my live would scratch my leather. from now on i will use my livi loom strop it seems ok on the loom

My question is directed to those who have tried the "cheaper" versions like the 30,000 as well as the higher end models: apart from thickness of the leather (and the triple components of the top end ones), is there a significant difference?

As someone mentioned earlier in the thread, thicker is not always better. I, for one, like some degree of pliability and would not mind "settling" for a less expensive model that I would not be afraid to use every day. As Lynn's post alluded to, break-in is a consideration in any strop, and I am afraid using it just on special occasions will be like, sticking to the analogy, driving your Ferrari to at no more than 50 mph.