Thread: Difference in draw between SRD Latigo and Illinois 127

Hi, I'm considering a new strop. My budget is limited to about $50 with shipping, so I'm considering these 2v strops.
I have a Star Shaving English Bridle, which has a light to medium draw. No, I'm not considering another Star strop.
I read that Latigo can be heavy on the draw. What about the Illinois 127? Can anyone compare the two?
Thanks.

SRNewb,
In my experience, the Illinois 127 has a lighter draw than the SRD latigo.

It has indeed. It is also a cheap and flimsy piece of equipment which I personally feel not worth having. Just like anything sold by Star Shaving, just for the record.

Straight Razor Magazine: Review: Straight Razor Designs - The full strop line has all of Straight Razor Designs' strops.

I happen to own all of their leathers (thanks, Lynn!), and I would strongly recommend getting the Natural instead of the latigo if money is an issue. If it isn't, get the extra long English bridle. Yes, you have a strop that says English bridle, too, but it's a pathetic joke compared to SRD's (it only costs one third, sure, but still...).

Thanks, Obie. That's what I was hoping for.
I have an old belt that I actually used with my straight in the beginning. It has so much draw that I can barely keep the razor in my hand when stropping (arthritis). I have never used latigo, so I can only imagine when people talk about it having a heavier draw that, at least for me, heavy draw is not what I need.
The only thing that gives me pause with the 127 is that many have described the leather as stiff and in need of the Fromm dressing before the first stropping, but I have read many say that just simple palm rubbing, like I do with my other strop, works just fine. That would be my preference.
Any other insights from you or anyone else would be most welcome.

RobinK, thanks. So, in your experience the "natural"(I assume that's what you mean by "naked") has a lighter draw than latigo?

Yes, natural, of course. I find the latigo the least desirable of the SRD strops. English bridle, Horsehide (I don't think that one's available any more), Naked. In that order. The rest are nice, but I liked those three best.

And let me firmly state that whilst draw, sound, and tactile feedback differ, performance is exactly the same. I am thoroughly grateful that a small but vocal group of people advertising "strop progressions" a few years back now seem to have moved on. Whichever SRD leather you buy, you will get good performance.

SRNewb,

If I may suggest, see if you can save your money and opt for the SRD Premium I strop. This is a delightful strop, with a light draw, and I'm sure it will serve you well. I, too, suffer from arthritis in my hands and cannot tolerate strops with a heavy draw.

My current strop, among others, is the SRD English Bridle. It is ideal for me. I've also had the Premium I and found it, too, perfect for me. The Illinois strops work well despite being stiff. They are basic quality, nothing fancy, and they do the job. Still, I would save money and opt for the SRD strop.

You need not add conditioners to these strops. Hand rubbing every morning is all you need.

Obie, RobinK, thanks! Very good advice from you both. I really appreciate it.

Considering your price point criteria of under 50 bucks, you only have a rather limited choice from the SRD line of strops. I would not consider buying illinois strops anymore, I have a 40 year old vintage 127 which is a decent strop compared to a relatively new 827 of rather abysmal quality and construction. Yes they work but for almost the same money you can get a really well made SRD strop that is just perfect for your needs. I have been using the black latigo from SRD almost exclusively for the past 2 years and I personally love it. Well broken in its draw has mellowed over time and I find it a very effective and pleasurable stropping surface with robust construction and fine finish. SRD strops, which ever you prefer is the way to go. No better deal to be had anywhere for price to quality. If you dont like a medium heavy draw then go for the natural, it will be great and its the only one besides the latigo that you can get for under 50 bucks.

I would like to see the results or even conduct a double blind study of different strops. This thread really peaked my curiosity on this subject.
I like to have several different strop manufacturers and blindfold people and let them strop then shave to see which one is better if any?
The more I think about this the more I like the idea.