Thread: Leather Only Strop?

after reading all the linen vs cotton vs whatever threads, I am wondering if a leather only strop is good for a beginner. Im looking at buying a starter kit from The Invisible Edge, which comes with a leather only strop. Will this be a bad decision, should I get a two sided strop?

I cant really say on this as I have never tried it, it does sound like a worthwhile experiment, that said I think there is good reason for the two material strop or you would see more leather only strops commercially available, vintage or otherwise. IMO the canvas/linen material cleans an edge while the soft cushion of the leather with its natural oils polishes it.

Im a paddle strop user and it only has the leather side to it. works fine for me. i only bust out my hanging strop with the linen side after i finish honing my razors.
Just a leather side should be ok for you.

Using a leather only strop should not pesent a problem

Originally Posted by Lesslemming

Using a leather only strop should not pesent a problem

No Problem at all.

I can’t imagine stropping with anything else than leather.

Using the leather is mandatory but the fabric is optional. Some swear by it and other do fine without it. Personally, I like using it and consider the benefits worthwhile.

Originally Posted by TrilliumLT

Im a paddle strop user and it only has the leather side to it. works fine for me. i only bust out my hanging strop with the linen side after i finish honing my razors.
Just a leather side should be ok for you.

I travel a lot, would you recommend a paddle strop, or should I get a hanging first and get used to stropping?

Originally Posted by LumberJackTN

I travel a lot, would you recommend a paddle strop, or should I get a hanging first and get used to stropping?

hanging strop would be easier to travel with. I like my paddle strop but not everyone likes them. I would get a hanging strop.

A hanging strop would travel better, it's not rigid, and you can hang it off a door knob or something.

On a side note, I've always used linen, cotten or some type of cloth material before the leather. It's not mandatory, but I believe there is a benefit to it.