Thread: Make your own paddle strop

I finally finished making my own paddle strops and think they came out pretty nice. I started with Red Oak boards 3" by 16" and plained them to about 1/2" thick. I tried using leather on them but decided that I liked the balsa better so took the leather off and replaced with balsa. Balsa has a smoother and flatter draw than leather.

You can use contact cement but I decided to use waterproof wood glue to attach the balsa to the paddles. You have to clamp with two other boards while the glue dries. I sanded with a 6" belt sander to get the surface smooth and as flat as possible. I put the numbers on with a permanent marker then I applied five coats of Satin Polyurethane for the finish. I lightly sanded again to get rid of a few drips of Poly on the balsa. I then applied the the liquid diamond abrasive I got from Tedpellas and let dry for one day. I have used these paddles on 6 razors and am really impressed with the results. The smaller paddle is 2" wide and I will use it as a travel touch up strop.

bj

I made this denim paddle a month or so ago using contact cement to fasten it down to the red oak. The denim seems to be about as effective as vintage linen, and much nicer than the Illinois linen even after you remove the plastic. I was gonna put leather on the other side, but after trying it out it seems the denim doesn't bang the edge around as much as linen, do I don't need to align the edge on leather before shaving. Denim doesn't last like linen, but it does a great job maintaining a nice edge, and it's cheap.

Very Cool,

There is a ton of talent in this place!!!!

Nice strops guys,

Lynn

I am very impressed with the way those came out... they look great!!!!
The bad thing is now the wheels just started turning in my brain again

Thanks for the positive feedback guys. I also like the balsa because when the surface gets a little grooved or uneven it is an easy chore to re-sand with the belt sander and reapply the abrasive. I have them hanging in my closet.

bj

I made this out of scrap a while ago. The box was originally for a larger strop. Something about cutting twice, measuring how many times? I love it!

Nice work fellas, I sometimes wonder if this is a shaving forum, woodworking, or vehicle repair, etc.. I too am guilty of fabricating my own paddle strop, but lacking a suitable camera I can't join the party.
G

Originally Posted by gomez

I too am guilty of fabricating my own paddle strop, but lacking a suitable camera I can't join the party.

We don't stand on ceremony -- go ahead and use an unsuitable camera!

This post just may have saved me $70! Thanks guys. Where is a good place to buy the pastes though?

Originally Posted by alpinmack

This post just may have saved me $70! Thanks guys. Where is a good place to buy the pastes though?

Ted Pella has a good selection of pastes. I used the liquid which is easier to apply but it is more expensive. http://www.tedpella.com/polish.htm HandAmerican has the .5 micron Chromium Oxide and is a must if you use paste. http://www.handamerican.com/newscary.html

bj