Kanayama Strop Review

[Doc226]

Good question. Do you think that this sale may be a clearance sale of sorts? I just found out about this company after seeing the link you posted so I'm not sure how long they've been restocking since Eastern Smooth decided to stop stocking them.

Also, has anyone seen or heard of what was wrong with the defective Kanayama strops that ES was getting?

I read somewhere that there were blemishes in the leather side. I must say mine appears perfect.

[Great White Shavealo]

Good question. Do you think that this sale may be a clearance sale of sorts? I just found out about this company after seeing the link you posted so I'm not sure how long they've been restocking since Eastern Smooth decided to stop stocking them.

Also, has anyone seen or heard of what was wrong with the defective Kanayama strops that ES was getting?

According to their blog, Eastern Smooth doesn't state exactly why they stopped carrying any of the Kanayama strops ( see here ). FWIW, the same company also stopped carrying NOS straight razors. I suspect this has little to do with quality issues for this company.

[whipdog]

I dont know for sure if the old man that makes the kanayama strops has quit making them or not but I do know that Jim (easternsmooth) and chefknivestogo have both stopped selling them. I think he is not making anymore because he cannot ensure the quality will be what it once was. Please correct me if I am wrong. I have a 50,000 strop and absolutely love it. If you want one I would suggest buying one now if you can find it.

[Kentos]

Sorry to burst the bubble of those trying to corner the Kanayama strop market. Takeshi has 5 more left, and put in an order for
20 more to restock.

Make that 4 left

[timebomb]

Must... resist... buying...

Aside from the price what's keeping me from buying one of these is that I've only stropped a razor once and the only razor I have is worth 1/4 of that strop. I kind of feel like I want a nice razor first so I can use it on my nice strop when I end up buying one. Or I can just buy both I guess :D

[Seraphim]

I just lost all respect for you.

Caving in to childish peer pressure? I thought you were a man of moral fiber, made of stronger stuff than that.






And congratulations, you're going to like it!

[Kentos]

Sniff...it is my Bday after all.

[Lando]

I think the last 10-12 strops he sold might be attributed to this thread, wonder how much more steam the B&B kanayama train has left?

I wonder if the markings will be any different on the next run?

Sorry to burst the bubble of those trying to corner the Kanayama strop market. Takeshi has 5 more left, and put in an order for
20 more to restock.

Make that 4 left

[Doc226]

Sorry to burst the bubble of those trying to corner the Kanayama strop market. Takeshi has 5 more left, and put in an order for
20 more to restock.

Make that 4 left

You are going to love it. Bravo sir, Bravo

[TonyN]

...it is my Bday after all.

Happy Birthday Kent! Enjoy that Kanyama.

[Kentos]

Happy Birthday Kent! Enjoy that Kanyama.

Actually it's tomorrow, but whose keeping track!? :)

[cleanshaved]

Actually it's tomorrow, but whose keeping track!? :)

It's the 30th here in NZ. Happy birthday Kent

[cleanshaved]

There is a number 3 on the strop Doc. I am sure this means it needs 3 threads.......
just one more Doc just one more

[Obiwan]

To echo the well deserved praise this strop has already gotten, I must say, it's amazing. I used mine again this morning and absolutely love it. I don't care what anyone says, peer pressure is a good thing. Don't know why I resisted it so much growing up. :)

[Doc226]

There is a number 3 on the strop Doc. I am sure this means it needs 3 threads.......
just one more Doc just one more

Tell you what, get one and then post you review.

[hokahay]

What I want to know is this. I have a TM SteerHide/linen and a TM Novotan/cotton. What is so compelling about this strop compared to my two old-timers and their four different components? It doesn't have the comfortable leather grips. The hook hardware looks to be lower in quality. It doesn't disassemble to invert the direction. Do I need to put on my beer googles and leave out the credit card?

[Seraphim]

What I want to know is this. I have a TM SteerHide/linen and a TM Novotan/cotton. What is so compelling about this strop compared to my two old-timers and their four different components? It doesn't have the comfortable leather grips. The hook hardware looks to be lower in quality. It doesn't disassemble to invert the direction. Do I need to put on my beer googles and leave out the credit card?

Kamisoris look rather unfinished.

They aren't even symetrical.

They don't have scales to protect the edge.

Why would anybody want to shave with a kamisori?

[hokahay]

Yes, a kamisori is different than a western straight razor. So, i can see owning one. I was even looking at a couple. But I could cut the handles off my TM and have a very simper if less functional strop like this japanese one.

[GreekGuy]

Kamisoris look rather unfinished.

They aren't even symetrical.

They don't have scales to protect the edge.

Why would anybody want to shave with a kamisori?

And you have to sharpen them regularly? What a pain. Not only that, they have to be stropped. Can they really be that good....

[GreekGuy]

Yes, a kamisori is different than a western straight razor. So, i can see owning one. I was even looking at a couple. But I could cut the handles off my TM and have a very simper if less functional strop like this japanese one.

TM makes a very fine product, lets make no mistakes about that.

If the handles (or lack thereof) are a deal breaker for you, and you think it would be comfortable without them, than the Kanayama isn't for you. The leather on these strops are a luxury. Functional, yes, but above what is really necessary. They have a simpler look. The barber's ends have been the standard forever. Theres nothing at all wrong with them. I love my TMs and use them most often, but the Kanayama leather is really something special