Quote Originally Posted by Soilarch View Post
Might be the first time I openly disagree.

thebigspendur makes a valid point that you owe it to yourself to learn how to strop with a loose piece of leather eventually. I agree with that much.

However, there's absolutely nothing wrong with using paddle or loom strops. (You've basically made a DIY paddle strop by laying it on the table.)

I think barbers used them because of tradition (a very very valid motivation in this pursuit) but also because there's no better way to save space AND always have something handy than to "hang it" within arms reach.

Heck, I've only visited one "honemeister" he uses loom and paddle and hanging strops. Mastro Livi makes and uses loom strops.


Use what you got. Get what you want. Learn how to use it.
+1. Although I prefer a hanging strop for daily use I have a paddle strop for traveling and I like it very much. For some people it is their method of choice.
I agree that it is probably a good idea to learn to use a hanging strop when you are comfortable with you technique. However there is nothing wrong with using a paddle strop as your primary means of maintaining an edge.
After all, straight shaving is about what works for YOU. Not what works for everyone else. Good luck.