Kanayama Strop: It came, I stropped, I like

**Kentos** · 05-03-2012, 08:45 PM

So I finally got my Kanayama strop in after all that rigmarole.

It was packed in what must be the best strop packaging ever. I am sure it took Mr. Aoki from Aframestokyo a lot of effort to do, and he obviously has pride in the product he offers.

Despite a lot of hoopla surrounding the cordovan primary surface, I am most impressed with the secondary suede strop. It is very thick, and has a ton of draw, yet because it is buffed you can regulate the amount of draw with pressure and can strop at a top speed despite the heavy draw...an oxymoron if you will. While I doubt it has the abrasive qualities of linen, it feels really good and certainly will clean off the bevel in anticipation of moving to the primary leather. Dare I spray it with some nano poly diamond?!?

The primary leather is nice and smooth, but has fine vertical sanding/finishing marks on the surface. I was originally expecting a polished patent leather-like surface, but at second thought such a surface would be like stropping on plastic and not work well.
The surface isnt 100% perfect, but as perfect as any natural skin off an animal and hand finished can be. I suspect I would need to drop 150 percent more cash to get a flawless surface...but I am a finish carpenter so I can spot cellulite on a fly's ass at ten feet :). Looking at it from normal distances, it's flawless and well worth the price. This may sound overly critical, but your money is all in the leather- unlike a TM with handles, caps, and edging. I am ignorant as to whether Kanayama works the leather or buys it already finished. I am hopeful he works each piece as I enjoy the thought that his craftsman's "spirit" is in it.

Stropping on it felt eerily similar to my TM Notovan leather...until I stropped them back to back. The Kanayama has less draw than the Notovan. The Notovan feels "pebbly" for lack of a better term, while the Kanoyama feels "sandy". It is hard to describe a draw that is very light, yet has a definite textural feeling under the blade.

The TM horsehide feels slippery and fast, Latigo feels hard yet with medium draw, and his steerhide feels soft with medium/light draw. I like them all, and in terms of draw it would be more than horsehide, less than Notovan.

I must say it feels really nice and holding the cut ends do feel luxurious. It works well enough for Kamisori, but I suspect full hollow users would LOVE this(I eased the heel on my Takami to avoid scratching the cordovan). Once I get up the nerve to wantonly strop with abandon I will update my thoughts on this Strop. YMMV ;)

I would like to give a shout out to Craig and Alfredo, without whom, none of this would have been possible.

**rickboone1** · 05-03-2012, 08:46 PM

You caved, eh?

**GreekGuy** · 05-03-2012, 08:50 PM

Originally Posted by Kentos

So I finally got my Kanayama strop in after all that ~~rigmarole~~ persuading, enabling, threatening, and cohering.

Fixed that for you

**Earcutter** · 05-03-2012, 08:54 PM

Awesome review Kent - thank you!

After all that I am most happy that you like it lol!

**TonyN** · 05-04-2012, 02:02 AM

Originally Posted by Kentos

So I finally got my Kanayama strop in after all that rigmarole persuading, enabling, threatening, and cohering.

Originally Posted by GreekGuy

Fixed that for you

**Blix** · 05-04-2012, 02:23 AM

Yeah, as I prefer mostly full hollows, I looooove my Kanayama...

I have the same as you, the one from Aframestokyo.

Btw, stropping on a #90000 Kanayama is 100% identical, I've tried them side by side.

**Doc226** · 05-04-2012, 03:36 AM

Boom-Chikki-Boom-Boom

Excellent, glad you are enjoying it.

Now we need a video in a yukata kimono in flip flops while you strop.

**chuckr9** · 05-04-2012, 04:15 AM

Pics Please!

**Easttexasman** · 05-04-2012, 04:35 AM

I feel the same way about mine, that secondary leather really makes the strop shine.

**global_dev** · 05-04-2012, 05:16 AM

Originally Posted by Blix

Yeah, as I prefer mostly full hollows, I looooove my Kanayama...

I have the same as you, the one from Aframestokyo.

Btw, stropping on a #90000 Kanayama is 100% identical, I've tried them side by side.

wouldn't the main difference as i was always aware of between kani's be the thickness, length, and third component.. otherwise very similar?

**ouch** · 05-04-2012, 05:18 AM

Great review, Kent.

**Seraphim** · 05-04-2012, 05:26 AM

Excellent and accurate review!

I'm pondering applying cigar ash to the suede as a very mild polishing/refreshing compound.

**Mike H** · 05-04-2012, 05:28 AM

I can spot cellulite on a fly's ass at ten feet

Congratulations on your new strop and good eyes

Great write up.

**Blix** · 05-04-2012, 06:41 AM

Originally Posted by global_dev

wouldn't the main difference as i was always aware of between kani's be the thickness, length, and third component.. otherwise very similar?

Yeah, the 90k was quite a bit thicker, longer and had the linen, but the stropping feel of the cordovan was exactly the same.

Actually I prefer the length of the Fine Stars. It's sure is a killer value for the buck compared to a 90k