Thread: 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.

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

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

Originally Posted by Kees

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

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