Thread: kangaroo

Well, I did it. Went and got a kangaroo hide in veg tanned leather (black). Looks like it may make a lot of strops, but we'll see.



It is only 1mm or so thick, but kangaroo leather is supposed to be very strong relative to other leathers, so I will try a single layer hanger to start, and take it from there.

I will keep you informed of the progress.

James.

Let's hope the kangaroo strops don't cause excessive hopping.


Sorry.

Wow. Great!

I'd been pondering a similar move, but never went for it.

Congrats, and more power to you!

Does it have a pocket to hold the razor ? <g>

Kangaroo is a very tough hide like Horsehide but tends to be more pliable. Typically it is only available in very thin hides, much like horse "fronts" typically used for flight jackets way back when and high end jackets today. Only the Butts are really thick enough for good strops.

Kangaroo is favored for bullwhips and the best whips come from Australia.

Tony

Thanks Tony. I was a bit concerned about the thickness issue. Perhaps two bits of leather or, failing that, gluing to a paddle?

Anyway, I will do some experimenting with it. It is about as thick as the leather in my retractable strop, and that works fairly well for me.

James.

There is quite a bit of stretch around the edges of those hides, especially around the neck arms and backside. Go around the edges and pre-strech the skin a bit and you can how these areas differ.

You can adjust by cutting a litte wider in these areas when cutting strips for whips and lead. but you won't want any of this on your strop or it will look rather scalloped quickly.

Thanks Hults! I will definitely keep that in mind. Are those whips and strop made out of Roo? They look great, whatever they are.

James.

Yep, both are kangaroo. That was my first and last bullwhip once I finish the handle... Cutting 14 tapered and connected strands around a circle was nerve wracking. So, it's stock whips and dog leads for me from now on

I found a diagram online at David Morgan, who made the Indy whips for the movie. This will give you an idea of what I'm talking about.

David Morgan: Cutting Kangaroo Skins for Braided Work

How about bonding the Roo to regular leather for some support?

Great idea Jimbo.

I have a very thin horse hide strop (approx 1/16 thick) which is just magic as a finisher. It has very little if any stretch and may be what Tony calls a 'front

Will be interested to hear how the roo shapes up & whether stretch is a problem.. Gotta be an easy resource to find down here