Thread: Straight Razor Designs Lynn Abrams Modular Paddle

Paddle strops. I used to hate paddle strops. They are always too small for my taste (as are loom strops), and if you want to experiment with different media (SRD carry 3 diamond spray - add Cerium and Chromium oxide and something new, and you would be looking at a honeycomb shaped strop...), they never have enough sides. Enter the new Straight Razor Designs Lynn Abrams Modular Paddle.

Here is what the vendors have to say:

"We have had a lot of requests for an additional tool that can be used for refreshing, honing and every day stropping of razors. So Lynn and I put our wet shavers hats on and developed the very first modular paddle strop on the market. This paddle strop which is similar in design to our original paddle, features different materials with a stropping surface of 3 inches by 12 inches and has a magnetic base and the individual stropping materials are magnetized so they adhere to the base. The materials available are hard felt pieces, leather and scrub leather which can be treated with pastes or sprays and interchanged for finishing a honing job or refreshing a razor or for just every day stropping use. Here is what you get with the set.

• 1 Straight Razor Designs Paddle
• 2 Pieces Hard Wool Felt
• 1 Piece Straight Razor Designs Premium 1 Leather
• 1 Piece Straight Razor Designs Scrub Leather
• 1 Straight Razor Designs 15 Carat .5 Diamond Spray

You can upgrade your kit with other pads and medium at a discount with your kit."

So on to the review. The paddle came together with my Premium IV English Bridle strop, and the package was extremely well done. Which is great, because the strop is beautiful, and I would have greatly resented any nicks or dents in it.


Feedback: n/a, as it depends on the material you attach to it. Yes, attach. The magnets actually work, and very well at that. A stroke of genius. You can now experiment to your heart's content without any need for several paddle strops. I have described the feedback of the felt and Premium I leather elsewhere, and have yet to apply Cerium oxide (thanks, Ben!) to the Scrub Leather.

The fact that the wood actually yields under pressure is a bonus. You can see the sheets of wood in the image below. While not being floppy in the least, the offer perfect resistance to pressure, much like a hanging strop that is properly pulled taut.



Speed: Again, n/a, as it depends on the material of the paddle pad. The Premium I leather is a great choice. Next time, however, I would opt for English Bridle leather instead, no matter what Lynn tells me. It is simply too beautiful.

Durability: What can I say? Like all other SRD strops, this one is built to last. I have not reason to believe that the paddle pad materials will behave differently than on a hanging strop, and that means they will in all likelihood outlive me.

Portability: Perfectly portable, but not exactly small. Still, it will become my new strop for holiday travels, as I will not need to carry around a hone with me any more. And that is another great strength of this strop.

Size: Quite big for a paddle, and also big enough for daily use instead of a hanging strop. Above is an image of the Premium IV for comparison purposes.

I was a bit sceptical when several owners of the strop said they were (at least temporarily) giving their hanging strops a rest, but it can indeed be done. For a beginner, this one would have the added benefit of not cupping while providing a perfectly smooth, taut surface.



Craftsmanship: The strop is really very well done. Take a look at the stock images for better close-ups while I am still looking for a place for my light tent in the new apartment. The wood is nicely finished, and everything just *clicks* into place with the magnetic holders. Perfect.



Price: The basic set-up starts at USD 89.99. Taking into account that you could replace a hanging leather and felt strop with this one, and that a bottle of .5 carat diamond spray is part of the package, this is not much at all. Additional paddle pads are between USD 9 and 15, and that is also a bargain.

Overall: The old men of SRD have once more proven that they not only love straight shaving, but also know more about it than most other people. This strop truly is a stroke of genius, and highly recommended to anyone looking for a more versatile alternative to their own Rock Hard Wool Felt & Whatever hanging strop. Sterling stuff, indeed.

Hi BeBerlin

Thanks for a great review!

I have not tried this, but would love to acquire one. I gather that you sit in Berlin. I am i Denmark. I know taxes are different, but not really by a lot. So I was wondering, what did this starter package sum up to all in all for you?

I see that Miller´s Strop Shop from UK has designed something similar! - I am sure the quality of the leather pads are equally nice, but the overall finish and design just doesn´t quite look as nice and well done as this piece. However dealing with UK is way easier when you are in EU.

The review section is actually reserved for reviews, not discussion. That said, the price is what is advertised on SRD's website. If you are lucky, you do not have to pay customs tax and VAT. If you do, the package can be a tad expensive, but still, in my opinion, worth every cent.

And just to give an update: I have been using this paddle frequently ever since I got it. The Premium I leather has broken in nicely, and I actually prefer the felt pads over my hanging felt strop. Seriously good stuff.

i just received my modular from the states to uk .delivery was very good and quik. this modular is very good value.i actualy think for what your getting , i don't no how it could be so cheap. I could of got similar thing from strop shop, but it is way too expensive and the design does not compare. srp modular highly recomended. i will buy from there every time.

A small update: Six weeks in, and this strop has not lost one bit of its attractiveness. It is currently with my local vendor, who is quite enthusiastic about the felt with diamond spray, as well as the size of the strop. It is seeing a lot of use there, and performing formidably. The only thing I would change in hindsight is to get the Premium IV leather instead of the Premium I, but that is a totally subjective wish, as the PI leather performs exceedingly well, too.

An excellent bit of kit.

All you ever need in a strop in one box. Convenient and easy to use.

I haven't used any of the upgrades, but it is very nice to know that if I ever want to make the strop even bigger and better it's just a quick and simple process to get a new module.

Craftsmanship is given a 9 because the finish on the wood wasn't as smooth as it could be and some of the pads weren't perfectly aligned. It is very well made but not 100% perfect on the finish.

Having said that the value for money is unbelievable. and I will recommend this strop to any newbie or anyone looking for a paddle strop.