Thread: whats the difference in paddle vs leather strop?

I have read a lot about strops but I am more confused then ever now. I have read so may post but I keep getting side tracked with new info

1) What is the difference between a balsa paddle strop and a leather strop?
2) Does a balsa strop have 2 sides? if so what's on each side?
3)Does one side have paste or no paste?
4) why would you need a linen strop with a leather strop?

I don't know which one to go with there is so many option's any advice would be very helpful. THANK YOU

You just asked the questions for which I am need answers. TYVM

Wow ok you really are confused


You have to have a Leather Strop. either Hanging or on a Paddle, without any abrasive paste to use before shaving, period, other than that it is all optional...

Heck on second thought some might claim even that is optional, as newspaper or jeans could work in a pinch, but then again so could a Trac 2

I do have a leather 20 inch strop, plain no paste, no linen.
So I should be good with just this option? to keep it sharp?

I was just reading people use balsa strops on a paddle because its easier and convenient. I seen pics of them but don't see leather on them! So is the balsa the leather?

1. Balsa is a type of wood. It can be used with some abrasive placed on it. Then when you strop on it you are honing the razor on an abrasive.

Leather strops are made of leather and can be on a paddle, hanging up, or on a loom strop. Most everyone uses a leather hanging strop with no added abrasive for daily razor use.

2. Balsa is wood and can be cut and mounted any way you want to. You don't need balsa, or paste right now.

3. Paste is abrasive and you decide what to put it on. If you get a nice, sharp razor then you won't need paste, or balsa right away. What you need is a leather strop.

4. Linen strop can be used before leather. It cleans and aligns the edge of the razor. Leather does the same thing. If you want you can just use leather or you can get a strop with fabric(linen or other) and leather. Either will work.

Hope this helps

Michael

Originally Posted by mjsorkin

1. Balsa is a type of wood. It can be used with some abrasive placed on it. Then when you strop on it you are honing the razor on an abrasive.

Leather strops are made of leather and can be on a paddle, hanging up, or on a loom strop. Most everyone uses a leather hanging strop with no added abrasive for daily razor use.

2. Balsa is wood and can be cut and mounted any way you want to. You don't need balsa, or paste right now.

3. Paste is abrasive and you decide what to put it on. If you get a nice, sharp razor then you won't need paste, or balsa right away. What you need is a leather strop.

4. Linen strop can be used before leather. It cleans and aligns the edge of the razor. Leather does the same thing. If you want you can just use leather or you can get a strop with fabric(linen or other) and leather. Either will work.

Hope this helps

Michael

AHhhhhhh thank you so much this helps a lot. I know I am on the right track at least. I should maybe stop reading so much into it and stick to the basics.

Good advice here. The one thing I'll add is that strop conditioners are also not really needed. Just rub the leather with the palm of your hand from time to time. The oils in your skin will work very nicely to keep the strop in good shape. Just make sure your hands are clean (not freshly washed as you do want to be transferring oil after all, but don't do this after you've done a brake job...), and rub the leather until it gets warm. I have been straight shaving for a number of years now and that is the only thing I have ever applied to my strops.

As you said, keep it simple and stick to the basics.

I personally just use leather to strop. If my blade gets tired I will hone it back to the keeness I require. This is a personal choice. Some people use pasted strops; either leather or balsa to keep the edge longer. I bought my hones learned how to use them and now I have 2 strops (that I use, not that I have ) a couple hones ( by a couple I mean a whole closet full) and I can keep my edges sufficient. Be careful going down this road because it is easy to depleat the funds. Good luck in experimenting with what keeps your blades keen. My suggestion is to read the proper technique in the way you decide to maintian your blades.

Stoney

Originally Posted by stonebraker

I personally just use leather to strop. If my blade gets tired I will hone it back to the keeness I require. This is a personal choice. Some people use pasted strops; either leather or balsa to keep the edge longer. I bought my hones learned how to use them and now I have 2 strops (that I use, not that I have ) a couple hones ( by a couple I mean a whole closet full) and I can keep my edges sufficient. Be careful going down this road because it is easy to depleat the funds. Good luck in experimenting with what keeps your blades keen. My suggestion is to read the proper technique in the way you decide to maintian your blades.

Stoney

"O" yes the subject of honing my own blades I am some what nervous of trying this option and ruin my SR but I know they can't stay sharp for ever and I do want to hone my own eventually I have my mind set to the Norton 4/8k stone. I have not needed to hone just yet! I have done a lot of reading on the honing part there is just so much advice and personal preference on stones but the Norton 4/8k seems to pop up a lot on many post of it being enough to keep a blade sharp!

thank you for the advice on the palm oil I will give that a try!

Originally Posted by sixotwo

"O" yes the subject of honing my own blades I am some what nervous of trying this option and ruin my SR but I know they can't stay sharp for ever and I do want to hone my own eventually I have my mind set to the Norton 4/8k stone. I have not needed to hone just yet! I have done a lot of reading on the honing part there is just so much advice and personal preference on stones but the Norton 4/8k seems to pop up a lot on many post of it being enough to keep a blade sharp!

thank you for the advice on the palm oil I will give that a try!

If you're interested in the Norton 4K/8K, this is the thread for you:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...on-2012-a.html

But in line with the principle of keeping things simple, don't feel that you need to rush into honing. There are plenty of pros who can take care of that for you while you focus on your prep and shaving technique. They don't charge much, but using their services will ensure that your blade stays nicely shave-ready so that you can focus on the other stuff.

When you do decide to start honing, see if there is someone local who can show you the ropes. You'll learn more in an hour or two with a mentor than you will in days of watching videos and reading about it!