Thread: I updated my strop! Pictures inside! (ooo... ahhh..)

Some of you might recall my DIY $20 strop, I made a small tutorial back in March. Well, I've made a few updates since then and I'd like to share what I've done, how much it cost me, and what it finally looks like.

For starters, I wanted to add some webbing. So, when I got a black cotton webbing sample for a educational project, I made sure I would have enough extra to work with (shhhh!! ). I folded it at the ends at a width that would be sufficient to hold it together, but small enough to hide under leather covers at the top and bottom of the strop. I ironed the folds, sewed it together, and sewed around where I would punch holes through the webbing. No $$ here!

I had some left over leather scraps from another project that were big enough for the special end pieces as well as some left over stain. If you don't have something like that, you would have to spend a couple extra bucks, but here yet again, I didn't spend any money.

I bought one small bottle of Neats Foot Oil as per a suggestion on this forum. I applied it to the leather I had from my original strop and I was very happy with the results. The leather is very supple now and water resistant! Plus, it feels great, strops better, and has a wonderful golden color. $5.99

Oh, and I had to buy some more of those silly (but stylish!!) metal fasteners. $3.99

All I am missing is one more 1-3/4" D-ring, which I couldn't find at Tandy's. Apparently they aren't stocking that size anymore, so I have no idea where I'm going to get it. I suppose I could make them both "bottom" rings and just get a 2" for the top, but I haven't decided yet.

One of the things I like about the way I set it up: all pins are screws and everything is modular. If I get a tear in the webbing or something disastrous happens to the leather, I can replace parts individually.

In hindsight, it's not much more money to get a truly beautiful TM strop, but I'm just the kind of guy that likes to do his own thing. Even if it isn't as nice, there is something to be said about making things yourself, and hopefully it will last me my lifetime, and maybe longer! Who knows, one day, this baby will be a family heirloom

And now, for some pictures!!! Enjoy.

Wow! That looks great, have you tried it out yet? Its great to say see that there, I made it all meselfs! I'm particularly interested in how the webbing preforms.

Wow nice job, I just made my first one today too, but I should have looked at yours and got more ideas

Just got back from the local Tandy. This one will be for some chromium oxide. Thanks for this post.