Thread: Buying first stop...help me on my quest.

Don't buy anything marked B&B. Really very low quality, crap.

I'm currently eying the SRD modular paddle Strop. Anyone have any experience with it? I'm new to straight edge shaving, but I'm not going back to cartridge (I can guarantee it, my skin won't let me) - and I'm no stranger to knife care (I've also been preferential to a Sapphire stone to finish off an edge, and never tried a leather strop).
Or what about a Roo strop?
Looks like I'll be spending 60-90 for the strop...

I do not have an SRD paddle, and I won't comment about that one specifically. I will share with you my preference for hanging strops over the paddles I've tried. For everyday maintenance, I think you'll be much better off going with the Premium IV. I've had two, and they are 2 of my 3 favorite strops. I know the SRD Paddle to be excellent by reputation, but I think it's more of a tool for the finishing stages of razor sharpening than for everyday maintenance based on my experience with other paddles and also what I've been told by others with experience with SRD's paddle.

Originally Posted by richmondesi

I do not have an SRD paddle, and I won't comment about that one specifically. I will share with you my preference for hanging strops over the paddles I've tried. For everyday maintenance, I think you'll be much better off going with the Premium IV. I've had two, and they are 2 of my 3 favorite strops. I know the SRD Paddle to be excellent by reputation, but I think it's more of a tool for the finishing stages of razor sharpening than for everyday maintenance based on my experience with other paddles and also what I've been told by others with experience with SRD's paddle.

Thanks for that little bit of experience. The only reason I was leaning towards a paddle was because I move back into my dorm in a few weeks, and I'm not sure if I'll have a place to hang it from. But, hopefully the friend I'll be rooming with (who turned me onto Straight Edge shaving) will be able to figure something out.

What about Kangaroo hide? Anyone have any experience with that? I was thinking of buying that one from SRD, then buying a cheaper replacement leather at the same time. I would swap them out as soon as I got them, use the cheaper leather to get practiced, then switch to the Roo.

Originally Posted by mbrowne5061

Thanks for that little bit of experience. The only reason I was leaning towards a paddle was because I move back into my dorm in a few weeks, and I'm not sure if I'll have a place to hang it from. But, hopefully the friend I'll be rooming with (who turned me onto Straight Edge shaving) will be able to figure something out.

What about Kangaroo hide? Anyone have any experience with that? I was thinking of buying that one from SRD, then buying a cheaper replacement leather at the same time. I would swap them out as soon as I got them, use the cheaper leather to get practiced, then switch to the Roo.

I don't know anything about their Roo strop, so I can't comment on it. I will say that of all the strops I've used their English Bridle is the best, hands down. The Premium I was highly regarded by most, and I personally didn't find it nearly as effective. Recently, I drastically cut down on my gear and literally alternate two to three razors at a time. So, maintainance has really become a major focus for me, and the English IV keeps me very happy. There's a guy in Norway who makes the other, but with shipping and customs delays, I'd have to recommend going with the Premium IV based on my experience. I've been waiting for SRD to send me one of each of their strops for testing for about 8 months now...

I'm a beginner also and I'm starting out with the whipped dog poor man's strop. actually, I'm in for the "$7 Special." I'm sure I'm going to nick and otherwise damage it, so when I do, I'm out $7. I eventually plan on replacing it with an Illinois/Fromm strop once I get the hang of it.

I had gone to Star Shaving and picked up one of his 3" Big Daddy strops earlier this year. Thing cost me less than $30 and I love it. I just lathered it up and let it sat, I also palm it whenever I'm in the seated position in that room (if you know what I mean...eeewww). No nicks yet and it has a nice draw to it.

Originally Posted by U2Bono269

I'm a beginner also and I'm starting out with the whipped dog poor man's strop. actually, I'm in for the "$7 Special." I'm sure I'm going to nick and otherwise damage it, so when I do, I'm out $7. I eventually plan on replacing it with an Illinois/Fromm strop once I get the hang of it.

With very cheap poor quality strop you may not only lose 7$, but also ruin your razor. That will cost you more money.

I have a SRD hanging strop. Love it. As Richmondesi stated, easy to replace, and you can rest assured that it will in fact show up to your door. Technical side note: Anything wider than 3 inches could be cumbersome.

Buy the best you can afford, then practice stropping on a hanging shoestring until it arrives!