Originally Posted by
criswilson10
I've been making/using strops for wood carving tools for about 25 years. What I have learned is that different leathers have a different feel to them (draw) while stropping. I like the heavy draw, but some prefer a light draw. Does it make a difference in the sharpness of the blade? Not that I can tell. The only difference that I have noticed is that on the light draw leathers I may have to make about 5 additional travels. Or maybe it's just a psychological thing on my part.
The reason I prefer the heavy draw is because I can feel/hear the blade on the leather better than I can with the light draw. I learned which type I prefer by using different strop materials and testing on other peoples' strops.
What's the benefit of a nice fancy strop? Well it looks cooler! And if you think its cooler then you will enjoy it more - which is what this journey is all about.
I'll admit the following: When I purchased my nice strop (a premium 1 from SRD) a few weeks ago I narrowed it down to two of them and then chose the one that would look the best in the bathroom.
Of course, I guess I could redo the bathroom and then I'd have an excuse to buy the other strop ;)