Imperfections in paddle strop - should I be concerned?

[Kenski]

Hello all, wondering about a paddle strop ... about a quarter of the length of my new paddle strop, as I slide the straight razor away from me (after a flip over the spine), there is a noticeable hollow, or concave profile. I can see a shadow beneath the edge of my blade and the center-line of the strop. Stropping towards the centre, it flattens out again, and good contact, or rather more consistent contact, is being made between the edge and the leather. Is this something I should be worried about? I could "choke-up" on the paddle I suppose, but it's already such a small surface that I'd only be getting, like, 4 inches of stropping travel before I reached the end and would have to flip the blade.
Or should I make the move to a hanging strop now, as I understand it gives the best results (that's something I could easily remedy; placing an order with a reputable dealer ... suggestions or favourites?). Your help is much appreciated gentlemen!

(PS - At work now, so can't post pictures, but I hope I've described the lack of connection between the blade edge and the 'indentation' in the paddle strop well enough to be imagined ...)

[life2short1971]

Is this an adjustable strop or flat wood with a leather pad affixed.

[Kentos]

For now I would do an xstroke, as you would then have the whole edge stropped.

I prefer a hanging strop, but even those aren't 100% flat 100% of the time, so an xstroke is essential
IMO.

Is it brand new?

[Earcutter]

For now I would do an xstroke, as you would then have the whole edge stropped.

I prefer a hanging strop, but even those aren't 100% flat 100% of the time, so an xstroke is essential
IMO.

+ 1

Moreover, I think when it comes to stropping, a quick motion works well to "polish." Hence, i would say get a hanging strop. YMMV.

You ARE going to get one anyway...

[cb91710]

For now I would do an xstroke, as you would then have the whole edge stropped.

I prefer a hanging strop, but even those aren't 100% flat 100% of the time, so an xstroke is essential
IMO.

Is it brand new?

Yup.

Bought a 3" strop because I was having problems getting the x-stroke "down" on the Illinois, but after a while I felt that I wasn't getting as good of a job as I could and ended up going back to the narrower strop.

[Kenski]

Hi all, the strop was a wooden paddle strop, with the leather pad glued down. In the meantime, I've gotten in touch with Larry at Whipped Dog, and a new hanging 3" is on order, which will solve this problem wonderfully :)
Thanks for the replies and the information!