will a lighter draw strop make a difference?

**smalltank** · 06-09-2012, 01:15 PM

I currently have a 3" SRD Red Latigo Linen/Leather combo strop..nothing wrong with it..but I have 3 razors.. 6/8 custom GD hollow ground..7/8 Near Wedge...6/8 full wedge...will a lighter draw strop compared to my heavier draw strop any better/easier?..I always use the "weight" of the blade..edges are fine..no issues

**Kentos** · 06-09-2012, 09:54 PM

Originally Posted by smalltank

I currently have a 3" SRD Red Latigo Linen/Leather combo strop..nothing wrong with it..but I have 3 razors.. 6/8 custom GD hollow ground..7/8 Near Wedge...6/8 full wedge...will a lighter draw strop compared to my heavier draw strop any better/easier?..I always use the "weight" of the blade..edges are fine..no issues

If you enjoy stropping, a different leather will vastly add to the pleasure. A lighter draw may allow you to speed up your lap, which may lead to better edge maintanance. At least that is what justifies my 5 Tony Millers and 1 Kanayama. YMMV greatly.

**Doc226** · 06-10-2012, 02:39 AM

I don't believe the draw makes a difference on the edge. They just feel different. Some guys enjoy lightning quick some heavy draw. Sometimes you feel like a nut sometimes you don't.

**brother cavefish** · 06-10-2012, 04:40 AM

Originally Posted by Doc226

I don't believe the draw makes a difference on the edge. They just feel different. Some guys enjoy lightning quick some heavy draw. Sometimes you feel like a nut sometimes you don't.

I agree, LOL---------i have a slow speed, and listen to my steel, the sound will tell me the right angle i am at, i have one blade , i guess they call them "singing blades" it has a higher sound when done right, its one i have for sell

**Wid** · 06-10-2012, 06:41 AM

I personally hate a real heavy draw, specially on a heavy grind.

**linguist** · 06-11-2012, 01:56 AM

i prefer light draw which leads to fast stropping and more keenness.

**Alum of Potash** · 06-11-2012, 04:27 AM

I prefer close encounters of the thinner grind. Fast draw seems to work best for me there. Heavy draws for heavy grinds and light draws for light grinds?--that's a question I've been asking myself.

**Seraphim** · 06-11-2012, 07:09 AM

The answer is Kanayama.

No matter the question.

**Doc226** · 06-11-2012, 09:00 AM

Originally Posted by Seraphim

The answer is Kanayama.

No matter the question.

Very true, some strops are too fast, some strops are too slow, Kanayama is just right.

**TheLegalRazor** · 07-12-2012, 10:43 AM

I don't know that draw makes a difference on the blade. But that is not to say that draw is unimportant. Stropping is part of the enjoyment of straights and draw is a matter of personal preference. You should choose a leather with a draw that you enjoy. If you like leather and stropping, using different leathers with different draws is part of the enjoyment. The SRD latigo was my first strop and still serves me well. I ultimately decided that I prefer a lighter draw. If you like SRD strops, their Premium 1 will have a lighter draw than their latigo, and their horsehide will be even lighter. My Tony Miller premium steerhide has a wonderful light draw, and my Walking Horse horsehide (from The Superior Shave) is so light you could call it slick.

**kwigibocity** · 07-13-2012, 06:48 AM

I'd have to doubt the friction coefficient's got much at all to do with the final edge; if the stropping medium's making sufficient contact with that edge profile, somebody somewhere can surely use it to a perfect stropping, be it fast as an ice rink or slow as molasses.

Judge them based on if you like using it, looking at it, if it seems to be doing a good job telling your brain what's going on in there (the Kanayama's awfully good @ all 3 in my opinion)...this stuff's mostly just "quality of life" issues for something you'll presumably have to use all the time, but there's plenty of mediums that can effectively strop a razor.