Thread: What's the difference?

Looking at SRD's strops. I have thier 3"paddle. Like it, but it was my first, and it is..........shall we say..........a bit sliced up.

I want to order a 3" traditional hanging strop from them, but I am confused as to which to buy. Lynn told me the difference between the different level of strops is the oils and leather that are used. My question is does it really matter? Latigo vs. premium I, II, III, or bridal strop? So confused.

Any direction?

Thanks,

Cutter

I have the same question(s).

What is the difference between red latigo and black latigo? What about the SRD premiums? What is the difference and are they worth it. I have been using a cheapy strop since I began 1-1/2 years ago and want to buy a strop that will last me the rest of my life and will become a family heirloom. Any suggestions.

Originally Posted by cutter2001

Latigo vs. premium I, II, III, or bridal strop? So confused.

Bridal strop?



I realize that was a typo, but Lynn, I think these could be hugely popular!

Regarding choice of strops, I think it really comes down to your preference for degree of draw. Some have a lot and some have virtually none. The leather types and treatments alter the draw more than anything else and it's just a matter of personal taste.

Since I have only used one "inexpensive" strop in my straight razor career I don't know the difference between draws, but I seem to like there to be some amount of drag or resistance to the stropping motion. I have sanded my strop when I got nicks in it and then treated it with shaving soap overnight before wiping of the excess and using it again. When I have done this the leather is really slick and the blade seems to whisk down the length of the leather. I like there to be a little more friction, I guess. For that what would anyone recommend?

You can try lightly oiling it with neatsfoot oil.

IME latigo has more draw than premium 1. I hear that the bridal leather has a bit more than the 1 and less than the latigo. IIRC their is some description of the characteristics of each of the strops on SRD's website.

If I had a Bridal Strop when I got married things would have been different I am sure!

I've got a Latigo strop from Tony Miller and a Premium I from SRD. The difference in draw between these two pieces of leather is astounding. I realize that it's purely a matter of personal preference, but I enjoy stropping on the P1 so much that the TM Latigo now hangs unused. I also intend to try the P4 Bridle Leather.

For those that prefer a heavy draw, the Latigo would be ideal... It's just not my "cup o' tea..."