Strops

David Martin

David Martin

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Which is the best strops for sharpening a razor, Illinois 'Chicago', horesbutt or Russian?
I want to know about leather not a particular manufactures process.Thank, DM
 
I don't think you use a strop to "sharpen" a razor; rather you touch up the edge on it. I've read somewhere that horse hide has more dense grain, so it's better. That's what I use, but I don't know if I'd be able to tell the difference if I used cow hide.
 
All three of those will do the intended purpose. They all have different "draw" which is the amount of resistance felt when stropping. Different people like different amounts, but they all do the same thing.

Stropping does not sharpen the razor, but rather removes tiny imperfections in the edge left after use. It is closer to "smoothing" than sharpening.
 
Ok, -- Not what I was looking for. This 'draw' effect sounds more like a manufactures process in preparing a strop not something of the leather's qualities. Horsebutt being tight grained is something I'd like to read about. Do you have a reference? DM
 
David Martin said:
Ok, -- Not what I was looking for. This 'draw' effect sounds more like a manufactures process in preparing a strop not something of the leather's qualities. Horsebutt being tight grained is something I'd like to read about. Do you have a reference? DM
Click to expand...

No, The type of leather has the biggest impact on the amount of draw. How you prepare affects some but not as much. Horsehide typically has a very light draw. Latigo leather has a very heavy draw. "russian" strops use the back side of the leather and have a "velvety" high draw. English Bridle is medium.
 
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