Thread: Advice on strop purchase

Hello! I have been a lurker for a while on SRP, getting lots of very valuable information for a newbie straight shaver, so thank you.

I wondered if someone might tell me their opinion about these two paddles. I've bought from the Invisible edge before, but found this company selling paddles too. The difference in the descriptions comes down to the "spring" of the paddle - something I wasn't sure about.

Strops, brushes & soaps
(The three inch double sided strop)

Black Monkey Leather & Oak Sharpening Strop (Large) - Barefoot Leather of Ludlow Shropshire UK - Artisan Leather Workers & Leather Machines

Many thanks!

I think the "springing" is essentially a non-issue. I use the SRD Paddle. It has slots in it as well. My experience has been that I don't apply enough pressure while stropping to bring any springing into play. I'm sure I could strop just as well on a strop with no slots, no built-in spring effect. Size is probably more important.

I have a travel paddle with slots in it. I've never noticed the spring actually doing something though I guess it could help if you have a heavy hand.

Of course you can't tell quality from a picture however there are so many shaving supply outfits selling known quality I would personally stick with one of them.