Thread: Which strop should I buy?

My wife asked what did I want for our 1 year anniversary and the only thing I can think of is a new strop... Currently using the poorman's strop, which is fine, but I'd like something nicer. 3" is a MUST. I'm tired of x-strokes, haha. I've been looking at the $59 ones on SRD.com. The regular one, or the paddle strop. I feel like the paddle would be a better value, as there's no need to worry about where to hang it when traveling. But I was wondering if it is possible to get fabric on the other side instead of the second leather? Didn't know if they did that or not. I'd use the fabric more than I would the second rougher leather, honestly. If there's any other options I should be looking at, please feel free to let me know. Thanks guys!!!

If you want the paddle, the SRD modular seems like the better deal just because it has interchangeable materials, and it comes with a few different to start with. I don't own one, just what I have gathered from around here and what I have seen while shopping. And I do own some SRD products and am super pleased with their quality, including hanging strops.

I have a few hanging, and honestly have never run into a problem packing them or finding a place to hang. Matter of preference.

I would go with a hanging strop. For me it was a better choice in the long run.

First, you should do an X stroke no matter the width of the strop.

paddles are usually smaller and best suited for travel unless you can get some custom made larger type. I know SRD makes a modular piece which many like. I've never seen a paddle with cloth. They usually have leather and one side plain and the others with paste.

Just a general consideration that if a strop is quality they all do the same job. Different types may be more luxurious to use and feel different so it's a matter of what you want.

I have big daddy from star shaving. I have heard many positive reviews as well as my own satisfaction. The strop has Chicago screws so if you kill it, you can replace the leather or felt. I have a dovo strop from Aos. Its short and 1 1/2 inch wide. I don't like x strokes either. I do strop at different angles and do at least 10 out of fifty at an angle or x stroke on the 3 inch.

I was under the impression that you did not have to use x-strokes on a wider strop that is as long or longer than the length of the razor's edge. Either way, I still think I would benefit from and enjoy a 3" strop, so it is what I will be telling my wife I would like. Thank you for all the awesome suggestions, gents. I will take a look at my options and make a decision. If anyone else has any other suggestions, I'm all ears!

IMHO the millers are the finest strops avaliable . The Neil Miller is much more expensive but not better than the Tony Miller strop. Tony's old number 2 is hard to beat but his new synthetic is quite nice also... I like a heavy draw and both these fill the bill.
Stingray

We can only explain what we know to be truth, most of us that have been doing this a long time know that using a "Pattern" while stropping works..

When you don't learn the patterns, then you serve a self-fulfilling cycle, ie: If you don't learn the patterns well then not using the Patterns on a 3 inch strop vs Straight up and down stropping makes no difference...

Basically they are you razors, your strops, and your time, so you can do as you want, but please don't assume that there is no difference...

Originally Posted by gssixgun

We can only explain what we know to be truth, most of us that have been doing this a long time know that using a "Pattern" while stropping works..

When you don't learn the patterns, then you serve a self-fulfilling cycle, ie: If you don't learn the patterns well then not using the Patterns on a 3 inch strop vs Straight up and down stropping makes no difference...

I am sorry if this is a hijack - but can you please expand on this - especially the second part about the self-fulfilling cycle, I do not fully understand the point you are making - just not "seeing" it.

Please correct me if I am mistaken, but I think I remember you stating in another thread something about the end result of stroping somewhat lacking hard evidedence to show a measurable different in the edge, but anecdotal evidence from just about everyone supports the fact that stroping improves the shave. If this is indeed the case, what improvement in the shave does an x-pattern during stroping show over and above a straight forward - flip - back pattern provided the strop is wide enough to fit the entire blade.

If there is an improvement from the x-pattern, couldn't you strop on a 3" strop without the "X" movement and draw the razor straight across the strop while holding the blade so that it is not perpendicular to the strop (so that the heel is forward of the toe)? Won't this make the edge describe the same vector during the movement as the x-stroke? I can see this as causing a problem when flipping the razor after each stroke, but the action at the edge will still work the same, right?

One real problem I can see from not using the x-stroke on a 3" strop is that it limits you into only being comfortable with 3" strops, and may cause you to steer clear of buying some cool leather, especially vintage.

This post got longer than I intended, and I apologize again for the hi-jack. I also wish to express that I am not challenging anyone's knowledge, especially those of you that have "been around" like my father used to say. I have always had the need to know the "How" and "Why" behind something moreso than just the "What."

thanks a lot for any and all info, Gags

Originally Posted by Joegags

One real problem I can see from not using the x-stroke on a 3" strop is that it limits you into only being comfortable with 3" strops, and may cause you to steer clear of buying some cool leather, especially vintage.

This is the only problem I can think of as well from not using the x-stroke pattern on a 3"... Which won't be a problem for me. I just want a new strop since I only have the poorman's right now (my brother gave me an Illinois strop, but I nicked it pretty bad learning on it ), and would like to not HAVE to use the x-stroke pattern anymore, so might as well go for the 3".

Looking at my options, the price of the Big Daddy from Star Shaving seems to be the best value. Thanks to bill3152 for the recommendation!