Thread: Home crafted strop - 3rd try

Hey everyone, hope you aren't getting sick of me posting my attempts at strop making! Here is my 3rd. It is 2-5/8"W x 22"L, very smooth cowhide, brown tanned.

I notched out much better for the swivel than I did on the last one, and added a 3rd rivet for stability. I also played with an edge beveler I picked up, and an edge slicker, but I wasn't impressed with the results.

Judge for yourselves. Also, I angled the corners, which I think adds a lot to the finished look.

Nice! I really like that approach to the swivel assembly. Very "modern," somehow. Is that common? (I'm used to the type familiar from, for example, Illinois strops.)

Sharp leather tools are a dream to use and do a great job. From what I see you may have a dull one but there are somethings you need to know. Wet helps....not soaking but a brush with a damp sponge goes a long way. Also an edge trimmer is like a straight. Angle and pressure. It should cut smooth and you want to keep it at a 45 to the corner. As for the slicker same thing. Wet, angle and rub back and forth until your fingers go numb. Your actually burnishing the edge once shaped. Edge coat of some kind holds it all in place.

Your strop looks fine :<0)

Each one is improving on fit and finish. Well done Joel!

Originally Posted by 10Pups

Sharp leather tools are a dream to use and do a great job. From what I see you may have a dull one but there are somethings you need to know. Wet helps....not soaking but a brush with a damp sponge goes a long way. Also an edge trimmer is like a straight. Angle and pressure. It should cut smooth and you want to keep it at a 45 to the corner. As for the slicker same thing. Wet, angle and rub back and forth until your fingers go numb. Your actually burnishing the edge once shaped. Edge coat of some kind holds it all in place.

Your strop looks fine :<0)

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+1 on what pups says about sharp tools and edge trimmer. Good advice there.............

Looks good and practical to boot
Can't go wrong there

Originally Posted by 10Pups

Sharp leather tools are a dream to use and do a great job. From what I see you may have a dull one but there are somethings you need to know. Wet helps....not soaking but a brush with a damp sponge goes a long way. Also an edge trimmer is like a straight. Angle and pressure. It should cut smooth and you want to keep it at a 45 to the corner. As for the slicker same thing. Wet, angle and rub back and forth until your fingers go numb. Your actually burnishing the edge once shaped. Edge coat of some kind holds it all in place.

Your strop looks fine :<0)

Thanks! I just got that edge beveler, and was thinking the same thing! I wonder if there is a way to sharpen it...or if I should just see about exchanging it. Great advice on technique!

Originally Posted by JoelLewicki

Thanks! I just got that edge beveler, and was thinking the same thing! I wonder if there is a way to sharpen it...or if I should just see about exchanging it. Great advice on technique!

Best way to sharpen an edge trimmer is using the very edge of your Crox treated leather or balsa strop or paddle,works like a charm.

Joel,
Well done.
That's a really professional looking job.
Where did you find the source for the hardware?
You might decide to use some caution though. In the near future someone might ask you how many strops you have?
Will you be able to give an exact number?

Originally Posted by Galaxy51

Where did you find the source for the hardware?

There is a local leather store where I get my stuff, I'm not sure now that I think about if he is a Tandy dealer, but he carries a lot of their stuff and other random things. Great place - The Leather Arts Store

Originally Posted by Galaxy51

You might decide to use some caution though. In the near future someone might ask you how many strops you have?
Will you be able to give an exact number?

It is actually funny you say that, I sold the first two practically before I could even use them very much! One of these times I'll make one and hold onto to it!