I have read before that size doesn't matter-it's how you use it that counts Seriously though, I received some excellent advice from you guys, plus Max, and decided to ordered a handmade 2.5" strop with Linen back from The Well Shaved Gentleman. WSG is nice enough to recommend buying a practice strop, which I did. Also have the 3" Big Daddy coming in from Star Shaving Supplies and ordered some Dovo white and yellow paste for the Linen and Steerhide, respectively, from The Superior Shave. Ordered some Kohls yellow band abrasive past, but not sure what to use that on! FWIW, I have sharpened scissors, machetes, knives , hatchets and axes, but straight razors are a whole 'nother world!-Gearhead222