Thread: Potentially Dumb Question about "Draw"

Okay, let's make that "ignorant" question. But there is at least a cure for ignorance, I know of none for dumb!

I have noticed a significant difference in "draw" between my SRD Prem. I leather strop and the SRD Prem. III buffalo strop. I had heard this, but the feeling is really striking. I now know what "draw" feels like!

Is "draw" really just more friction, or is it simply a different texture with the same friction?

If "draw" is due to "more friction" does it follow that one would need fewer strokes on a strop with lots of draw compared to one without much draw? Or is draw in the end just a matter of what one individual thinks feels right?

Draw, to my mind is the resistance of the blade against the leather.
In my experience, the amount of draw makes little difference to the number total of laps required. It's pretty much the same from strop to strop.

I've always thought of it as resistance but friction is what makes for resistance so one way or the other. Like Ben I've always done the same amount no matter the amount of draw. If you were to experiment with the TPT or whatever based on the amount of laps with one and the other that would be interesting. A premium 1 has a draw I like. A bit more than a Tony Miller horse and a bit less than a latigo. I don't know that one is better than the other. Just a matter of personal preference. OTOH, the 1961 barber manual I frequently link to says that a strop with heavy draw can take off the edge if the razor is honed to a very fine edge .... IIRC.

I too have always done the same amount of lapps regardless of draw.
What I like to do, it use my strops much like you'd use a hone. That is to say, progression. I'll do 25 on linen/cotton what have you...Then, 25 lapps on a strop with lots of draw, I.E. Latigo, English Bridle, The SRD III, something like that, then finish, 25 final lapps on SRD 1, or TM's Horsehide, mine has about 0 draw.....

The buffalo leather I have had experience of has a strange feel - almost gritty at first, but as you use it the grittiness disappears and is replaced by a more 'clinging' feeling, or drag. Which is the same as draw. More draw to my mind equates to more drag, and more drag equates to more friction. there is a school of thought that contends that there is a phenomenon called 'plastic flow' that helps to reform the razors edge, and this molecular interplay relies heavily on drag/draw/friction.

Regards,
Neil

Originally Posted by Neil Miller

The buffalo leather I have had experience of has a strange feel - almost gritty at first, but as you use it the grittiness disappears and is replaced by a more 'clinging' feeling, or drag. Which is the same as draw. More draw to my mind equates to more drag, and more drag equates to more friction. there is a school of thought that contends that there is a phenomenon called 'plastic flow' that helps to reform the razors edge, and this molecular interplay relies heavily on drag/draw/friction.

Regards,
Neil

Yeah that buffalo feels different. Rather than friction the draw almost feels like suction holding the blade to the leather. It took some getting used to but I can understand why some folks really like it. I think I do too!

Interesting point about the latigo having lots of draw, Zib. The only strop I own is Tony Miller's 3" latigo/linen. I was just now noticing after my evening shave, what a tremendous draw it has. I think I like it, as it gives me good stropping feedback, though I have nothing to compare it to. It probably helps that I palm-rub it frequently with facial oils. All I know is that it (along with the odd touch-up on CrOx and colored newsprint) is keeping my Dovo and Fili in exquisite keenness.

LawsonStone,

I use a 'high draw' leather (latigo or buffalo), fifty (50) laps, then finish with twenty five (25) laps on tallow tanned leather which has much less draw.

I don't have any evidence that this method of stropping is any better than just using a single leather, but it's now part of my daily shave 'ritual', and thus make me feel good

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ