Thread: Table Strop Suggestions?

Originally Posted by MikeT

Hey nice! That looks like one that could work, just make it bigger.

Maybe a 4"x4" by 2 feet long or so? Cut out an arc of wood from the top just like that one you have in the picture, and stretch leather across..

Next I'd try to think of an easy way to tighten it when it stretches/loosens.

Essentially one piece of wood, leather, and some hardware.

So vegi tanned is the way to go? I think I read that there's a difference in pull between bridle leather and others. Less pull was easier for me, but with experience maybe that preference would change.

I have a couple of these in France, including the one as pictured, and the tension has not varied much as to changes in humidity. The other one is something like 1-3/4" x 14" as to the stropping surface, the leather being sanded vegetable-tanned. So yes, vegetable-tanned would be one that would work. I would recommend picking up a thick slice as the thinner vegetable-tanned pieces can stretch a bit too much; and on a board, if you go that route (not that I am recommending it with razors) a thicker slice provides more cushion. With this hollowed out wood suspension type, horsehide or shell would also work well, and could be thinner without worrying about stretching.

Not really a table-strop, but I saw this on the fleabay a while back and thought it was pretty neat. Adjust tension with the thumb......

A little longer on the lever would give you more or easier tension control.

Might be all it needs?
I was thinking a recessed screw run up through the bottom and a knurled-nut on top would be a great tension-adjustment on a bench-strop. A hinge or something might be used.
Not unlike what some of the Lipshaw models have........

Originally Posted by Brontosaurus

I have a couple of these in France, including the one as pictured, and the tension has not varied much as to changes in humidity. The other one is something like 1-3/4" x 14" as to the stropping surface, the leather being sanded vegetable-tanned. So yes, vegetable-tanned would be one that would work. I would recommend picking up a thick slice as the thinner vegetable-tanned pieces can stretch a bit too much; and on a board, if you go that route (not that I am recommending it with razors) a thicker slice provides more cushion. With this hollowed out wood suspension type, horsehide or shell would also work well, and could be thinner without worrying about stretching.

I have to revise my earlier comment. If the leather was to be stretched across a hollow-out board, a thin slice might be preferable as once it is stretched, stretching being an advantage here, it would stay in place once attached. But on a board, or used as a traditional hanging strop, a thicker slice of vegetable-tanned leather is to be preferred from my experience.