For the beginner...

[David John]

Would you recommend a hanging our paddle style strop for a beginner? Would like to go with a 3" width regardless. Contemplating on jumping in to the Straight Shaving World, doing a lot of research now.

 

[cj121]

As a relative newb of about a year, I'd say get used to a hanging strop from the get go.

However, you may be able to get your hands on both to trial them, which would at least give you an idea of your preference in using either.

Happy hunting : )

 

[Russ T Blades]

You might want to use the hanging strop as a bench strop for a while until you learn how to manipulate the blade as you strop. It's not rocket science, rather it is a motor skill involving muscle memory. Using it as a bench strop allows you to go slower and see what you are doing. As the muscles remember what they are doing you will pick up speed and minimize the number of times you cut or nick the strop. I don't think the entry level strops like the Rupp Filly or the Poor Man's Strip are 3" wide. So you will be getting (and paying for) an intermediate or better quality strop to meet your requirement for a 3 inch strip.

 

[Kentos]

There are some nice strops on the BST now, although it would be a shame for you to use a Tony Miller 3" Latigo Strop for practice, as you will surely nick and cut it up. Conventional wisdom is to get a cheap one to practice on, and when you stop inflicting damage on your strop, upgrade to a nicer one...

 

[David John]

Fair enough... Illinois Strop has their strops priced reasonably.