Thread: Hanging Strop Vs Paddle

Thanks from QU to BK, A Fellow 718'er

Omega1975,

I use paddle strops exclusively, and have done so for the last couple of years. I still have my hangers though

As others have said, both types do an excellent job, so see which type you are happiest with

Or get both types !

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

Omega 1975,

In the end it is a question of choice. The only way to make that choice is to try each version and choose. Or keep both for various uses. I don't care for pastes. I also have a little Tony Miller strop for travel. For me, therefore, it's preference, and I prefer hanging strops.

I get the best of both worlds by hanging my paddle strop on a towel bar in my shave den.

I have my strop on a hook on the back of the bathroom door.

Every time I hang my paddle strop on the back of the bathroom door I forget where I put it and wind up with a beard.

Originally Posted by ace

Every time I hang my paddle strop on the back of the bathroom door I forget where I put it and wind up with a beard.

I guess by the time you locate it, your beard will make ZZTop jealous.

I like a paddle strop - but not travel size, one about 15x3 or 2 1/2 wide, and with horse butt leather, smooth side out, untreated other than a natural vege tan. It's a little abrasive (the horse butt) but still makes the edge sharper and smoother than any finish hone I have, and the edge stays nice for a long time. It's very hard to not get a good strop out of it if (so long as the leather was put on the substrate carefully, flat and with no bumps).

I don't like the paddle strops with softer leather (like cowhide) so much.

I don't have a horse butt hanger (just cowhide hangers and bench strops and a horse butt bench strop), but maybe soon. Maybe that'll change my mind about liking a good hard bench strop better than a hanger - could be more the leather than the method that it is employed.

I bought a paddle strop first because I'd heard they were easier for beginners. I now have a Tony Miller hanging strop ready to be shipped to me (I chose TM because his linen is supposed to be really good). I imagine I'll end up using both, but the paddle will definitely get used when travelling. I have no major regrets with the paddle.