Hanging strop vs paddle strop

I have been looking into getting a strop. I have been wondering which is the best for a beginner? a hanging strop or paddle.

This is the paddle strop I have been looking at. Thiers-Issard 4 Sided Paddle Strop

At this point all you can do is look at it because it is listed as out of stock. Everyone has their own preferences. I prefer the old style 2.5" wide hanging strop. It's cheap, less prone to cupping, longer so you don't need as many strokes, and you can get an old one for cheap on eBay if you are careful. Some prefer the paddle because there is no question of proper tension.

I like both for different reasons. My main strop being a hanger because that is what I began with and I like the length. I also like having a paddle to use for pasted and sprayed surfaces. The modular is perfect because you can switch from one surface to another easily. Also the ease of taking it along if a travel strop is your thing.

What about a loom strop?

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Originally Posted by adamviolet

What about a loom strop?

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I've got a Livi loom and it is a darn good tool. Bulkier and more expensive then a paddle though. I'm sure there must be less costly looms available than the Livi but not sure of the quality. I still would prefer the modular for the versatility and the availability of replacement surfaces if I were to miscue and damage the leather or what have you. More compact and easily packed if traveling too.

The leather on those TIs is not the best. Infact its the least favourite I have used, and I have tried Neil Millers, Prima rendleder, Mastro Livi and the fabulous 80K Kanayama, as well as several vintage strops.

TI uses vegetable tanned leather and it is sort of 'fluffy.' I would avoid it - I didn't even like it for pastes as the surface ended up uneven as it is 'fluffy.'

Hanging vs paddle vs loom - All a personal preference. As a beginner I preferred the paddle to use, now I prefer hanging. The loom is sort of a hybrid as it is a paddle that you can control the tension of.

Stropping is like everything else in this sport a very personal thing. The most important thing about stropping is the results that the individual strop gives you.

I use a hanging strop the most, but the reason I developed the modular strop was to give you a ton of versatility in one strop. With the magnetic pads, you can use it for daily stropping, travel, refreshing your razor and to aid in the honing process.

Some people like 2 1/2 inch strops and some like 3 inch strops. My preference for every day is a 3 inch strop and I like that width on the paddle too.

You really can't go wrong with either choice.

Have fun,

Lynn

I got my loom strop from Amazon.com I think it's a Dovo and it's good quality. I find it easier to use than a hanging strop.You can adjust the tension a little too.

I have both a hanging strop and a paddle strop. I use the paddle strop the most as I find it easier and more consistent for me. Being a woodworker, I made my paddle strop; 3" wide 6" long strop area. It's two sided. A smooth finished side for daily stropping and the rougher side for refresh work. The leather is Bark (vegetable) tanned. No real conditioning needed on the smooth side. A few sprays of diamond spray on the rough side for touch up work. It works very well.

maybe try a filly strop from

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