Thread: DIY Leather Strops for $20

I made one with a 3 inch strop but slightly different hardware. The hard part is not putting it together, but finding the appropriate stock to use. I went through around 20 strap stocks to find one that had no bug bites, scars, waves etc… I don’t think I would mail order since the strap you get may not have suitable grain unless the supplier has good customer service and is willing to look through the stock for the appropriate quality. I like to touch/feel to find ‘the one’, but then I may a bit picker than most folks.

Don’t forget to condition it and break it in. I use a glass bottle and rub the conditioner in and break in the surface of the stop.

Originally Posted by cannonfodder

The hard part is not putting it together, but finding the appropriate stock to use. I went through around 20 strap stocks to find one that had no bug bites, scars, waves etc… I don’t think I would mail order since the strap you get may not have suitable grain unless the supplier has good customer service and is willing to look through the stock for the appropriate quality. I like to touch/feel to find ‘the one’, but then I may a bit picker than most folks.

And that folks is exactly why mine and others cost what they do <g>. I buy whole sides from a supplier who understands my needs and I still an thrilled when I can use 50% of the side. Sometimes I get 80% but often times a side is completely unusable for me and it becomes the second quality "Practice Strops" for $6.50. I only have 2 suppliers that can deliver what I want and even then it is hit and miss.

If you can pick your stock out in person the DIY strops are a great idea and fun to make. It is enjoyable to use a tool you have made yourself.

We have a local Tandy as well. Not much there I would buy now days but they are great at teaching customers and in letting you use their tools, or will even help you punch out the holes.

Tony

what kind of conditioner, and what does it do?

Originally Posted by Tony Miller

And that folks is exactly why mine and others cost what they do <g>. I buy whole sides from a supplier who understands my needs and I still an thrilled when I can use 50% of the side. Sometimes I get 80% but often times a side is completely unusable for me and it becomes the second quality "Practice Strops" for $6.50. I only have 2 suppliers that can deliver what I want and even then it is hit and miss.

Tony

I am surprised your usable stock is that high. From most of the full hides I have seen (my exposure is very , very limited) I you could only get two or three full length cuts out of one. I should drop you a PM, I could use a couple of black and brown leather strips about an inch wide and 38 inches long. It would make a couple of nice belts, strop defects and all.

Good post and info. It'ld be fun to make one and a fine feeling of accomplishment. Course I have a TM starter so I'd use that and preen over my own hands made one
hahaha
Tom

Originally Posted by cannonfodder

I am surprised your usable stock is that high. From most of the full hides I have seen (my exposure is very , very limited) I you could only get two or three full length cuts out of one. I should drop you a PM, I could use a couple of black and brown leather strips about an inch wide and 38 inches long. It would make a couple of nice belts, strop defects and all.

Dave,
Like I said I have two suppliers that understand my needs and even one of them is iffy. I also send back about 1/3 of what I buy each year.

Fat wrinkles (cellulite) and raised healed scars are deal breakers for stropping leather in my opinion and both are common on sides. The neck, front quarter area is usually useless and all waste so most of the strops come from the rear area of the side, near the backbone.
On the belt strip blanks I see at Tandy, etc... most are very prone to cupping across their width and why I never use natural tanned leather for strops. It may be flat today but a week in a humid bathroom and it is cup city <g>.
The Latigo belt strops at Tandy should work fine for a belt though unless you need a really smooth finisah for appearance.
Tony

Thanks for the input Tony!

I all ready order some 72" but im going to make a wood handle...ill keep you post on it with picts....


...BTW great idea !!!






RPR.