Thread: stropping curiosity?

ok, i know i need to keep the razor flat on the strop, and basically drive the spine, and let the edge follow. My question is this, when i read everyone talk about feeling a draw, what exactly am i supposed to feel. all descriptions will help me to understand.


chad

Originally Posted by wvloony

ok, i know i need to keep the razor flat on the strop, and basically drive the spine, and let the edge follow. My question is this, when i read everyone talk about feeling a draw, what exactly am i supposed to feel. all descriptions will help me to understand.


chad

Basically you want to feel some resistance when you pull the blade across the strop (so you need some pressure on the edge, but not a lot, and certainly never lift the spine). I think in the wiki there is a file that has a recording of what the sound sounds like... it is kinda like a rasping sound. If it is a ringing sound, that isn't good...

-Chief

Hi, Chad
As I understand it, draw is the resistance to the movement of the blade on the strop. How much of it is good or desirable or what it means is pretty ambiguous to me and not understanding it doesn't seem to have hampered my shaves. Each of my strops has a different draw. I use the least amount of pressure to hold the razor on the strop and move it along so as not to roll the edge but each has a different feel. I've been very successful at getting a good edge by always using this 'least pressure' technique and the draws are noticeable. I wonder if the draw has a psychological or aesthetic appeal, or if by noting the draw one can determine if there's too much pressure on the blade. I do like it to resist a little. Hope this helps.

Regards, Zig

You won't always feel draw, & it's dependant on the type of leather you've got too. Please don't try to find it by using pressure.
Horsehide has very little draw. At the other end of the spectrum, Latigo will have far more.
If you want to feel it, condition the strop. Don't go crazy though. A few wipes over with your palm before each use should be sufficient to impart oils that will increase draw. No pressure & 30 plus laps, & you should experience it. As you get over 30 laps the warmth generated seems to cause the draw. A very, very sharp blade also seems more likely to cause the sensation.