Thread: Kanayama stroppers happy??

Originally Posted by RayG

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?

I've tried only the 80K. From what I understand, apart from its thickness which prevents it from curling in later years and simultaneously does not prevent it from being extremely supple; the higher grades are from best quality shell. Better quality meaning that the 70,80 and 90 have no marks what so ever, and apparently there are very few hides around that will procure sufficient sizes for strops which are completely unmarked. Significant difference? To whom?


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.

Perhaps this is true, but I know of several people with Ferraris that do not drive them extremely fast just because they are capable of doing so. I also know of a man who has owned a Ferrari for several years and has not even driven 3000 miles in it.

I own an 80k and admittedly I am very cautious when using it. I keep it specifically for my hollow ground razors. (I find wedges do better on paddles). Upon receiving my 80K, I thanked JimR for his product and service and confessed my fear of using it. He replied that they are made to be used and to overcome my fear.

I am now somewhere between my original anology of it and Jim's!

Originally Posted by RayG

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.

Ray, pliability will NOT be a worry at all with these strops (probably in any thickness). My 50,000 is very very supple and flexible. As for the lower end models, I've handled a 30,000 and there wasn't even a significant difference in thickness between that and the 50,000. I use my 50,000 for almost all of my stropping and it's holding up totally fine.

Originally Posted by RayG

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.

I own a 50K and a 70K. The thicknesses on these strops are exactly the same. The difference between these strops, aside from the numbering, is that the 70K has a more uniform leather grain to it. If I find the time, I will post a picture of my strops to illustrate this. As far as I know, the 70K and 80K have the same quality leather, but with the 80K having the extra horsehide strop. The 90K is just a longer 80K strop. Based on owning the 50K and 70K, I don't think I would recommend buying anything higher than a 60K strop, as I don't believe the price is really worth it. Personally, I think going for a 30K or 50K is perfectly fine because I don't need the extra length. However, some people will like the extra 2 inches or so of stropping length. I am not sure if thickness really helps in preventing cupping.

Edit: Pliability is not a concern with any of these strops based on my experiences.

I've got a 30000, some of the best money I've spent in this hobby yet.
After almost a year of NOT nicking a single strop, even once, I thought I was due for a quality strop. I use it all the time, more than I need to, really. I can't say it works better than my other strops, but it sure does feel wonderful to use.

Does anyone know who sells the 10K and 20K strops now? I think Rasurpur sells the 10K re-branded as the "3"

Originally Posted by RayG

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.

A pic:



The 50000 is on the left. The 70000 is on the right.

They are indeed beautiful strops. I had to order one but think I'll leave it in the box for the next year or so as I get more proficient with stopping.

Originally Posted by altshaver

A pic:



The 50000 is on the left. The 70000 is on the right.

That picture makes my 50000 look so lonely...

How many laps are you guys doing on the fabric component?

I couldn't help but look at this thread. I have been looking at these strops for about a year now but for some reason am unable to go for it, I am getting closer however.
The pictures look great and are very tempting.
Kurt