Thread: Draw

Don't rule out narrower strops either. I prefer 2.5"- 2.25" to 3".

Originally Posted by markbignosekelly

Another thing to bear in mind is that draw has nothing to do with finesse, draw is nothing more than personal preference.
Unfortunately as mentioned different manufacturers have different processes for their tanning. Latigo is renowned for being a heavy draw but the new Latigo by Horween has a wonderful light to medium draw.

From my personal experience with strops draw would be rated from heavy to light thus.

Chromexal
Oil tanned
Latigo
Bridal
Vegetable tanned
Shell

Thank you,

Based on your assessment, it seems that my English Bridal must be about medium-ish draw

Originally Posted by bluesman7

Don't rule out narrower strops either. I prefer 2.5"- 2.25" to 3".

That's interesting, I would have to practice x stroke stropping.

Before I grab a razor and start practicing my x strokes can you explain why you prefer narrow strops.

I must admit, it would save me some money, or let me get a better strop.

You should always be stropping with an X pattern regardless of your strop width

Originally Posted by STF

That's interesting, I would have to practice x stroke stropping.

Before I grab a razor and start practicing my x strokes can you explain why you prefer narrow strops.

I must admit, it would save me some money, or let me get a better strop.

I had a Tony Miller red latigo (heavy draw) 3 inch for several years. Then I got one of his horsehide strops in 2 1/2 inch. They are vastly different draws, on either ends of the spectrum.

The x-stroke on the 2 1/2 inch quickly came to feel more natural, even after years of starting on a 3 inch. I find the 3 inch size awkward now, and wish I had been using a 2 1/2 inch this whole time. The 3 inch feels like it wants to tilt some when I x-stroke, and using a straight stroke doesn't feel right. I still use both for different purposes, although the horsehide is my daily driver.

Originally Posted by RezDog

You should always be stropping with an X pattern regardless of your strop width

Not sure I follow you on that. On a hone, yes. On a strop... I don't see why that would be important if the blade was shorter than the strop width.

Originally Posted by RezDog

You should always be stropping with an X pattern regardless of your strop width

Now that is interesting. I have 3 inch strops and have never used an X stroke like I do honing when stropping.

Bob

Originally Posted by STF

Thank you,

Based on your assessment, it seems that my English Bridal must be about medium-ish draw

Yep the Niel Miller I had was a light going on medium draw.

Originally Posted by BobH

Now that is interesting. I have 3 inch strops and have never used an X stroke like I do honing when stropping.

Bob

Originally Posted by HungeJ0e

Not sure I follow you on that. On a hone, yes. On a strop... I don't see why that would be important if the blade was shorter than the strop width.

I use an X pattern as if the razor has a smile you wouldn't strop all the edge of the blade.

Originally Posted by markbignosekelly

Yep the Niel Miller I had was a light going on medium draw.

Wow
My Neil Miller bridle is the heaviest draw I own.
Neil Miller Shell
Kanayama 3,50,90