I am thinking of getting a Kanayama strop.
The 30000 is 2.5mm thick and the 50000 is 4mm thick.
Has anyone tried both, and do you think it is worth the extra money to get the thicker leather.
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I am thinking of getting a Kanayama strop.
The 30000 is 2.5mm thick and the 50000 is 4mm thick.
Has anyone tried both, and do you think it is worth the extra money to get the thicker leather.
I have the equivalent to the 30000 Kanoyama, great strop, I can imagine the thicker versions are even better.
I have both of them and they are both very nice. Pick out the one you think you will like the best and have fun.
I have a 30k equivalent as well and LOVE it, so if the budget is tight you'll still not regret it. Just an amazing strop.
My guess is they both do the same job equally well. The difference is in the physical piece which is why you pay more for the thicker one. I have the basic one.
They're great strops. I'm sure you'll be happy no matter what you get. If you have the funds, I'd opt for the thicker strop.
I've got one of the higher end Kanayama strops and have no experience with the two you're considering. From what everyone posted it sounds like you can't go wrong with whichever you choose. What I would do is send a PM to JimR the Kanayama vendor. Ask him about the differences in feel, performance of the two. If it was me, like zib, I'd go for the thicker one, but that is just 'cause I tend to think more expensive must be better ....... even though in reality I know it ain't necessarily so.
As a newbie, and just out of interest, are these Japanese strops very different to the traditional type? Apologies for my ignorance :)
Basically a strop is a strop. They are a rectangular piece of leather, usually horsehide or bovine, and vary in width, and length. The old pro barbers strop was usually 23 X 2 & 1/2". In recent years the 3" width has come into favor. Strop makers have secret formulas with which they treat their leathers. There are also higher and lower quality leathers and by and large you get what you pay for. Strops by Kanayama, SRD, Tony Miller and the old HandAmerican are all of the highest quality. You can't go wrong with any of them. IME the higher quality strops are worth the cost. You can feel the difference as soon as you have one in hand.
Thanks for that. So do these Japanese strops have handles. I've had a quick look at the website and from the photos (although I'm looking on my phone) they just look like strips of leather albeit high quality...
When I say 'strips of leather' I don't mean that in a derogatory way :)
Thanks Blix. Wondering if it might be worth trying one once I get the hang of stropping.
Handles are cool as long as the stropping area is like 19 or 20". With some of the vintage strops that were meant for the non pro barber the handle took up what would nave been part of the stropping area. I had one like that once and it was a hassle. Most strops with D rings and handles nowadays have the length in the stropping area so it probably isn't an issue but do keep it in mind when you're shopping around.
I have used both with and without handles. What I found is that the WIDER strops are better without handles, because you can "cup" the strop ever so slightly with your hand. Of course, this can also be a detriment if you are not careful.
Handles on the wide strops, make that impossible, and can often LEAD to cupping. and if the leather should develop a "cup" in the other direction, you could not compensate as easily. Know what I mean Jelly Bean?
What I would say about the "Tokyo special" is if you took 20 strops and lined them up together and they were all different meaning horse, cow, latigo, seal, moose, whatever and you were blindfolded when you got to the Kanayamara you would know it instantly. But does it hone differently than any of the others? I don't think so.
I have to say that I do have the 30k version and another one Genuine Shell Cordovan from Horween. I have to say that when you try the Kanayama you will not use other strop from another brand. Very soft and it works very nice.
K
Hey, ya really want one, look in the classifieds!
Regards,
Howard
I'll check it out but I think it'll still be some time until funds allow me to purchase one...
apparently from what i read, he was a master of his craft and none of his children were interested in learning, so it sounds like it might go with him :/
and I saw that one in the classifieds....very tempting, but considering i'm in the middle of a move back to chicago, i can't afford such luxuries
Well, eventhou is late or not, there you have the opportunity to buy one. In the other hand in 1Barber you can find 30k version available. Is not late if its theirs the money for it.
K
I have the 55000 and 90000 both are amazing! If you get the opportunity get one. They are expensive but treat it right and it will last a lifetime.
I have the 3000 and it is an outstanding strop. Don't worry about the handle, just take it in a cupped grip and you are good to go. Sorry JimR stopped selling them.