Thread: How important is draw?

I agree. No difference. You'd think it would matter, but I've tried both and it doesn't.

I agree with TheBigSpender as well on the draw being a good indicator and feedback tool. For a beginner it can help clarify that you've honed correctly.

As I only have one strop, I cannot attest to any differences I've noticed from personal experience. However...2 points I have noticed make me think there might be a difference in the effect of stropping arising from differences in draw:

1. One thread (http://straightrazorpalace.com/strop...g-article.html) points to an article that suggests that stropping is actually a mildly abrasive process, removing corrosion. Many members have given this idea their support.
2. Many SRP members report using a stropping routine that goes from heaviest draw to lightest draw, such as from linen to latigo to horsehide.

These two points make me think that the draw from a strop is indicative of its level of abrasion. Higher draw = more abrasive. So going from a very heavy draw strop, such as linen, to a silky smooth, low draw strop such as a fine horsehide, would seem to lead to a finer and finer abrasive cleaning to the edge, leaving one with a finely touched up razor.

I plan on getting a TM latigo/linen strop to use in conjunction with my horsehide in order to test this out, but I would like to hear others' feedback.

Originally Posted by DanS

2. Many SRP members report using a stropping routine that goes from heaviest draw to lightest draw, such as from linen to latigo to horsehide.

I'm one of those who did the linen to latigo to horse routine. I don't know that the latigo to horse makes any difference (OTOH, maybe it does) but I do believe the linen does enhance the sharpness. IIRC the 'Interesting Article' thread you noted comes to that conclusion ?

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I'm one of those who did the linen to latigo to horse routine. I don't know that the latigo to horse makes any difference (OTOH, maybe it does) but I do believe the linen does enhance the sharpness. IIRC the 'Interesting Article' thread you noted comes to that conclusion ?

It was said that the abrasiveness of the linen did enhance the sharpness b/c of the removal of corrosion, but I believe the same was said of the leathers (though not quite as abrasive).

I find draw a definite item of personal preference. As I test both strops, linens and different fabrics daily for strops, I normally will do both a Thumb Pad Test and actually shave off both fabrics and the different leathers to test what I feel makes the most differences in materials. I do find that some of the slicker feeling leathers of today really don't provide the best results, however several of them do provide better results as they break in.

From a personal standpoint, my preference in draw is something on the medium end. I like a little resistance, but not harder resistance. When doing a minimum of 1200 strokes per day on a stop I get an idea pretty quickly of what feels good to me or not.The other interesting thing for me is that when I find a strop that I like, it works for all types and shapes of razors. I have never found that any particular strop works better for one brand or shape of a razor vs. another.

Have fun.

Lynn

Linen X 25, webbed fabric (SRD) X 25, Latigo X 30, TM horsehide X 30.

This may be overkill, but I've noticed a significant improvement in my shaving edges since going to this.

Lynn, when you say you haven't found ideal results with some of the slicker strops, do you include vintage horse/shell in that category?

I tend to agree with those here saying it's mostly preference. As far as theories about abrasiveness & draw, I'm sure it's technically true but the differences frankly must be too tiny to matter. I base this on the fact that I've never seen unpasted vintage strops – no matter how well-used – with the sort of grey/darkened streaks that you always see when abrasive paste is used.

I like vintage shell strops and I agree that they have no draw when you begin stropping. After 40-50 fast passes they do build up a little draw. In fact that's my indication that the edge is ready, but I may well be imagining that there's any correlation.