Originally Posted by
kevint
For the time being I think I'll go to work on a one foot hanging strop with the HA material I have. It has already been mentioned to me that 16 is considered minimum, still I think I'll give it a go.
Using some sort of fastener, at least on the hanging end (the easiest and least expensive probably being a "D" ring also from Tandy), will mean you'll lose some of that 12". I say why not experiment with making a hanger out of the piece you got from Woodcraft (I bought some of that myself awhile back. Very nice leather); I think you'll get tired of the short strop distance pretty quickly. Still, it would be fun and a great way to practice.
Are there any other sources for proper cloth or felt?
I've got to tell you, for a hanging strop, my "jury is still out" on whether it really does make for an equal or superlative pre-leather strop to canvas/linen. For full disclosure, I only own one linen strop, an Irish Linen vintage Hess Hair Milk Lab linen strop and although I've used it on razors that are not my best, I don't consider it in good enough condition for me to be an experienced enough canvas/linen user to comment since I have not/will not use it on all my razors.
Back to the hard felt.......I've been impressed at how it brings back edges on wedges and "sets" them for the leather. So far I don't feel the same way for full or extra hollows. The felt surface just feels too rough for the more flexible blades. I have not yet formed a concrete decision on the felt though. But...I would LOVE to find a market for good old fashioned vintage style linen. Not a strap, but the seamless one piece linen "hose" like the vintage Hess I have. I doubt such a market exists any longer.
That is Hap Stanley's forum over there. Great talent and a few good discussions on natural stones that are worth reading even if your not into woodworking.