Quote Originally Posted by Obie View Post
Hello, Tim,
The texture of the No. 827 is similar to felt. The No. 127 is smooth leather. Both are good strops, and worth the money, but I prefer the No. 127 for no other reason than the smooth leather.

Incidentally, both strops have the hard linen and stiff leather. With daily hand rubbing (before you shower) the leather becomes supple and with good draw. I no longer have my No. 827, but the No. 127 is a keeper.

Tim, this is where you learn the term YMMV much of our hobby here is personal opinion, is isn't right or wrong, or good or bad, it is just how it feels in your hands
My opinion is the exact opposite of my good friend Obie I like the #827 better, because of the feel of of the draw of the Russian finish, or the Nap of the leather, rather than than the smooth side of the #127...

Either strop will serve you fine and that is really all that matters ain't it great that we still have these choices...