Thread: How important is draw?

I like for my strops to have quite a bit of draw, because I have this notion that the more draw, the better (up to a point) in terms of prepping the razor's edge. But, I got to thinking about some of the old strops I've seen barbers use, and some of those strops have almost glass-like surfaces. Now, I'm not so sure that draw really matters in terms of edge prep, that it's just a matter of personal preference regarding the feel, or feedback, of the strop while you're using it. So, do you folks think that draw really matters in terms of razor prep?

I like a little bit. I am not a fan of a strop that has so much that it makes it difficult (for me) to control the razor with a light touch. I have experienced strops that have that much draw. I agree with a thread that AFDavis11 posted some time back that light pressure is preferable. I find that easier to maintain with moderate draw. YMMV

What I'm really wondering is if a strop with a lot of draw sharpens/conditions a blade any better than a strop with virtually no draw?

I believe the answer is that the amount of draw does not mean a strop is better for a razor, but I could be mistaken. I seem to remember reading that some members have strops (horse, I think) with little to no draw and they work very well.

Draw is a characteristic of some strops. If a strop exibits it, draw can be used as an indicator of sharpness but if a certain strop doesn't exhibit it then it means nothing. The draw itself doesn't have anything to do with the efficiency of the strop meaning the draw does not make the razor sharper.

I think it was one of your previous posts I was thinking of, TBS...

I wondered the same thing a while back, Tony Miller, the reigning authority on strops, said it doesn't make a difference/isn't more efficient, ect.


http://straightrazorpalace.com/strop...-anything.html

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 ?