justin
Well-Known Member
Over the excitement of receiving my new strop, I'd planned to write a full blown review, but now I want to keep this short and to the point. I could write a whole bunch about the amazing craftsmanship, or the simplistic, elegant Japanese style, and all that jazz. Suffice it to say, this thing is a masterpiece. I can't even imagine the work that went into this strop. I think pictures will say this better than some words.
From the images you can see the simple, utilitarian design. It isn't more than it needs to be yet it's very beautiful at the same time.
I want to tell you about some of the important aspects like feel, and functionality. The leather is very, very supple. When I got my first strop it wasn't what I thought it would be. It was hard, and stiff, among other things. The Kanamaya is what I expected a strop to be, in every aspect. It is really soft, and supple. I don't have any fear as far as cupping or warping goes because the leather pretty much bends to the strop. You could also attribute this to the thinness of the 10000.
This is where the cut-off end comes into play. Personally I prefer the cut-off end. Now, I have never used a d-ring or leather trimmed handle, but I don't think I would like it. The simple cut end connects you to the strop, and allows you to feel the luxurious softness of the stropping surface. I wouldn't have it any other way with this strop, the leather is too damn nice not to touch.
A view of the back of the leather to give you an idea of how much work must have went into getting the stropping surface ready.
I think draw is a very important factor to considered when buying a new strop. It seems like everybody says horsehide is really slick, and has no draw whatsoever. I was kind of worried about these remarks, but they couldn't be further from the truth (as far as the Kanayama goes). They are probably so used to the super heavy draw of the latigos that they don't have any feeling left for the subtleties. I personally don't like really heavy draw (like on my cowhide Filly). It's like somebody is pushing the razor in the opposite direction and I have to overcome that force. It's as if I'm fighting against the strop to get the job done. It's just not very light like it should be, we're dealing with a delicate strip of steel here, and it feels like the edge is being sucked into the leather the faster I strop. I personally just don't like the feel, and I don't think it's the best for the edge. Stropping on the Kanyama is orgasmic, it has what I imagine to be perfect draw. It doesn't feel like I'm fighting against the strop, yet it feels like I'm getting some work done on that delicate edge. It's made me into even more of a stropping addict.
Now for the linen. I wrote a bit about it back in the "smoothness" thread that Gary started up, so you can check that out there. I'll add it into this review later to keep everything together. Suffice it to say, it has broken in considerably since I first got it. I notice this in both look and feel. The feel is really starting to develop. I'm no longer cringing every time I put my razor to it, it's softer (less harsh) than before. The feel is actually quite pleasant. Maybe it's just because I've gotten used to it, but I really like it. It still has that signature zing, and scrape to it like it did in the beginning, and I also really like that. As for it's effectiveness, I wrote about it in that "smoothness" thread, and I think it's getting better as it breaks in. I'll try to post some updates as far as edge longevity is concerned, it's too early to say anything now.
Hmmmm, is that everything I wanted to say? Actually I'd like to say a bit about the particular model I chose. I bought the 10 000. Even though it's the bottom of the totem pole, the only real difference is thickness. It's the thinnest of them all, and I must say it's quite thin. Regardless, if well taken care of I don't see why it wouldn't last many many years, if not a life time. I don't have decades of experience with these thing so it's hard for me to say how long it might last. I think the suppleness will help in regards to warping, cupping, stretching, etc.. I don't regret getting the 10 000 at all (I'm not one to regret anything
), but I think that the 30 000 or higher would have been a better choice for the added thickness. I'm eventually going to go for one of the high-end ones like the 70 000. That thing if super thick!
All in all I am very pleased with this strop. To me it's worth every penny. I would buy it again in a heartbeat, and not even consider anything else.
Justin
From the images you can see the simple, utilitarian design. It isn't more than it needs to be yet it's very beautiful at the same time.
I want to tell you about some of the important aspects like feel, and functionality. The leather is very, very supple. When I got my first strop it wasn't what I thought it would be. It was hard, and stiff, among other things. The Kanamaya is what I expected a strop to be, in every aspect. It is really soft, and supple. I don't have any fear as far as cupping or warping goes because the leather pretty much bends to the strop. You could also attribute this to the thinness of the 10000.
This is where the cut-off end comes into play. Personally I prefer the cut-off end. Now, I have never used a d-ring or leather trimmed handle, but I don't think I would like it. The simple cut end connects you to the strop, and allows you to feel the luxurious softness of the stropping surface. I wouldn't have it any other way with this strop, the leather is too damn nice not to touch.
A view of the back of the leather to give you an idea of how much work must have went into getting the stropping surface ready.
I think draw is a very important factor to considered when buying a new strop. It seems like everybody says horsehide is really slick, and has no draw whatsoever. I was kind of worried about these remarks, but they couldn't be further from the truth (as far as the Kanayama goes). They are probably so used to the super heavy draw of the latigos that they don't have any feeling left for the subtleties. I personally don't like really heavy draw (like on my cowhide Filly). It's like somebody is pushing the razor in the opposite direction and I have to overcome that force. It's as if I'm fighting against the strop to get the job done. It's just not very light like it should be, we're dealing with a delicate strip of steel here, and it feels like the edge is being sucked into the leather the faster I strop. I personally just don't like the feel, and I don't think it's the best for the edge. Stropping on the Kanyama is orgasmic, it has what I imagine to be perfect draw. It doesn't feel like I'm fighting against the strop, yet it feels like I'm getting some work done on that delicate edge. It's made me into even more of a stropping addict.
Now for the linen. I wrote a bit about it back in the "smoothness" thread that Gary started up, so you can check that out there. I'll add it into this review later to keep everything together. Suffice it to say, it has broken in considerably since I first got it. I notice this in both look and feel. The feel is really starting to develop. I'm no longer cringing every time I put my razor to it, it's softer (less harsh) than before. The feel is actually quite pleasant. Maybe it's just because I've gotten used to it, but I really like it. It still has that signature zing, and scrape to it like it did in the beginning, and I also really like that. As for it's effectiveness, I wrote about it in that "smoothness" thread, and I think it's getting better as it breaks in. I'll try to post some updates as far as edge longevity is concerned, it's too early to say anything now.
Hmmmm, is that everything I wanted to say? Actually I'd like to say a bit about the particular model I chose. I bought the 10 000. Even though it's the bottom of the totem pole, the only real difference is thickness. It's the thinnest of them all, and I must say it's quite thin. Regardless, if well taken care of I don't see why it wouldn't last many many years, if not a life time. I don't have decades of experience with these thing so it's hard for me to say how long it might last. I think the suppleness will help in regards to warping, cupping, stretching, etc.. I don't regret getting the 10 000 at all (I'm not one to regret anything
), but I think that the 30 000 or higher would have been a better choice for the added thickness. I'm eventually going to go for one of the high-end ones like the 70 000. That thing if super thick!All in all I am very pleased with this strop. To me it's worth every penny. I would buy it again in a heartbeat, and not even consider anything else.
Justin
: I don't think I can shave with the same razor for months.
