Thread: What's The Difference: I, II, III, IV?

I was on SRD looking at strops and I see strops called:
"Premium I Leather Strop"
"Premium II Leather Strop"
"Premium III Buffalo Leather Strop"
"Premium IV English Bridle Strop"
My question centers around this "I, II, III, IV" nomenclature. Now I obviously I know those are Roman numerals, but what do they mean in relation to strops? There's not a big price difference to indicate that it's the quality of the strop, and nothing in the descriptions gives me anything to go off. I did brief search on google and here to no satisfaction, I even RTFM. Any clarification as to what's going on here would be greatly appreciated.

The different types of leather have differences in terms of draw, as explained in the descriptions. As regards the numerals, they are just in the order the strops were added to the production list - ie, the premium I was the first (used to be called just the premium, iirc), and the IV being the latest. No grading or classification is implied.

IIRC, shavedzombie made a list in terms of least to most draw. I think the III had the most draw, then the IV, then the I and the II had the least. Once the II has broken in it apparently feels similar to the I.

Hopefully he (or someone else who'd tried them all) will chime in here.

Is "draw" basically the same thing as friction? Please forgive my ignorance.

Originally Posted by Greginator

Is "draw" basically the same thing as friction? Please forgive my ignorance.

I prefer to refer to it as resistance. For example you'll find a horsehide will generally have very little while a latigo will, depending on how the surface has been cured, may have a lot.

Originally Posted by Stubear

IIRC, shavedzombie made a list in terms of least to most draw.

One should keep in mind, though, that strops change their characteristics over time. My PI has tremendous draw (after months of relatively heavy use) whereas my new PIV is still developing. Two weeks in, there is no way to tell where it will be in a few months' time. That said, I already like it more - a very nice strop, and currently my favourite.

And is more vs less draw once again just a matter of taste?

Originally Posted by Greginator

And is more vs less draw once again just a matter of taste?

Indeed it is. The preference can also change with time and experience. This is one reason you'll notice some members have more than one strop and may even rotate from one to the other depending on the razor .... or the phase of the moon.

Variety is the spice of life. I think they all do an equal job but some have different tactile feel so the stropping experience can go from luxurious to workmanship.

Originally Posted by Stubear

IIRC, shavedzombie made a list in terms of least to most draw. I think the III had the most draw, then the IV, then the I and the II had the least. Once the II has broken in it apparently feels similar to the I.

Hopefully he (or someone else who'd tried them all) will chime in here.

Thanks for remembering me, Stu

http://straightrazorpalace.com/fo...206-post3.html I believe this is the post you are referring to... That should give you a good feel for the leathers...

IMO, II is too slick for me, and III is too heavy, but I is at the perfect spot with light draw, and IV is the perfect amount of heavy draw... However, as Robin noted, extensive use will lead to change in the draw.

However, no matter which strop your using, they all get the job done, it's just preference to feel. Much like razors, one person loves using Dovo, one person loves Thiers Issard, but, in the end, they both (should, all factors being equal) shave the same, it's all about which feeling you prefer