Paddle or Hanging strop?

I have both, a 3" Red Latigo from SRD and an 1 1/2 Theirs paddle (I use for traveling).

It may be because I'm still a beginner but, I find I can keep my edges better on the Theirs even though it's much smaller. I suspect it's due to the fact it remains perfectly flat while stropping. Although I keep the hanging strop pretty taught.

I have noticed the 3" hanging slightly curls up on the sides (concave), this may be effecting my results.

Thoughts? Preferences?

Jon

Hanging strops are the classic way to strop though you are correct the paddle is easier. Most use them for travel because of their size. An alternative is a bench strop which is basically a large paddle.

I have a collectoin of both types. I like and use them all. I go through periods where I use only the paddles and I go through periods of the opposite. It comes down to personal preference. You might try lying the hanging strop on a table to use it -- that way you can isolate whether it's hanging format or the cupping is what's creating challenges for you.

Some TI paddle strops are pasted. That might account for the difference as well.

I always notice that hanging strops curl up on the sides and if you dont put enough pressure on the razor..the middle doesn't contact the strop. I am going to a board strop soon from Straight Razor supplies by The Classic Edge Shaving Store and wont be looking back...I like to keep things simple and easy for myself

I'd take a hanger over a paddle any day.

I prefer to strop with a bit of slack. That's where my edges are the best and most consistent.

Cupping, which is where the sides of the strop are higher than the centre can be fixed by continued palm rubbing, also bottle stropping the reverse side (ie a wine bottle). I prefer to use a wine or beer bottle. I hand rub all my strops everyday to keep them supple and ready to go.

Just my two cents.

I was familiar with knife sharpening before razor, so my personal preference is to hard-backed strop.
It's just very consistent and fool-proof.

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Originally Posted by ZeroCool

I have both, a 3" Red Latigo from SRD and an 1 1/2 Theirs paddle (I use for traveling).

It may be because I'm still a beginner but, I find I can keep my edges better on the Theirs even though it's much smaller. I suspect it's due to the fact it remains perfectly flat while stropping. Although I keep the hanging strop pretty taught.

I have noticed the 3" hanging slightly curls up on the sides (concave), this may be effecting my results.

Thoughts? Preferences?

Jon

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Have you tried a narrower hanging strop? Many people find that the wider 3" strops give them the same problem you are experiencing. Personally I would rather a 2" strop than a 3" one, but 2.5" works well for me too.

Paddle and bench strops are a great alternative, and I use them exclusively for pastes because I don't believe in unnecessarily convexing the edge.

I prefer paddle strop, I can strop even while watching TV ;) Recently I purchased my second paddle strop and I like it.
And my 2 hanging strops I present to my friend who just start to shave with straight razor

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Originally Posted by Kees

Some TI paddle strops are pasted. That might account for the difference as well.

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It's dry on both sides from what I can tell. But it may have something in there.

I have both hanging, bench and paddle. I like the hanging the most, however, I may be a little weird in that I hang the strop from a towel holder attached to the top of my door. So the strop is vertical when I use it. I have always done this and it seems to work fine. Anyone for or against this method?

Actually, it is pretty uncommon for a 3 inch strop to curl if left hanging all the time. I fought against using a 3 inch for years but finally gave in after more than 30 years on a 2.5 inch and have never looked back. Most razors are 3 inches long and it is like a natural fit and easier to use for most new guys. I also now much prefer the 3 inch paddles for the same reason.

Have fun.

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Originally Posted by Legion

Have you tried a narrower hanging strop? Many people find that the wider 3" strops give them the same problem you are experiencing. Personally I would rather a 2" strop than a 3" one, but 2.5" works well for me too.

Paddle and bench strops are a great alternative, and I use them exclusively for pastes because I don't believe in unnecessarily convexing the edge.

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Lynn,do you use an X type stroke on your 3 in.strops?

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Originally Posted by ryan_a

I have both hanging, bench and paddle. I like the hanging the most, however, I may be a little weird in that I hang the strop from a towel holder attached to the top of my door. So the strop is vertical when I use it. I have always done this and it seems to work fine. Anyone for or against this method?

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Don't have a paddle yet, although its on my wish list.

Like you I have my strop hanging high. I use a bathrobe hook about forhead level.

Stropping almost vertically works fine for me. Nice clean shaveable edges.

i learned on hanging strops and still use them regularly, but i recently bought the SRD modular paddle and i do have to say that i really do love it...so it's getting a lot of attention right now. as soon as their modular paddle pads are back in stock i'm going to try the bridle and horsehide as well.

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Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Lynn,do you use an X type stroke on your 3 in.strops?

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Not much of one. More like a windshield wiper pattern.

The bridle SRD pad has great draw; I prefer it over the stock pad.