illinois model questions

Greetings,

i have two strops # 206 and #835 and have a few questions about the differences. The #206 appears to be a bit older because it does not have a horse on it and the lettering on the handle is silver not gold. The #206 is a bit skinnier and the leather is much smoother and the linen much finer than the #835. What are the real differences?

I have never messed around with pastes but i want to and of the two which one would be a better candidate for pastes. Logic would dictate the bigger rougher #835 but would like to hear some opinions.
thankyou,

regards,
m.a.d.

The #206 is Fromm's (Illinois Razor Strop Co) smallest (shortest and narrowest 2" x 20") smooth cow hide strop.

The #835 is a smooth cow hide strop that is the same size (2 1/4" x 21") as the #827 Russia strop, and similar in materials to, but smaller than, the #127 strop (2 1/2" x 23").

(You mention that the #835 is "rougher." Are you sure that it isn't the #827 Russia?)

Does that help? Lot of ####'s


Scott

PS - Fromm/ AKA IRS Co, changes the stampings on their strops from time to time. And, I've never in 30 years messed around with pastes either.

hi Scott,

the 206 is much smoother in every way including the rough side of the leather. it's at least 15 years old or older. i am almost 100 % sure the other one is an 835 because i bought it around a year ago from classic shaving. i have had an otto-fromm #50 red head for over 20 years but never used it because it never felt sharp enough. been using a merkur de for a while but 2 weeks ago i started with the straights. the #50 along with a thiers will be returning from a pro hone this week and until i research exactly which stones i will need i want to prolong the edges with only strops. i hear some good things about pastes and wonder which one of these strops would be the best candidate.

as far as smoothness of both it's super noticeable. the smaller strop is much slipperier. Any way, thank you for the feedback

regards,
m.a.diaz