Thread: Leather or balsa for a strop?

1) What is the difference between leather and balsa (or any other wood) for making a paddle strop to be coated with chromium oxide?

I prefer leather for most paddles but where extra fine pastes are used balsa works quite well, maybe 0.5 or 0.25. While leather is my preference balsa may be easier for the do it yourself maker to source than suitable leather.


Tony

I have used both and find the balsa contacts the surface of the blade a little easier. Balsa is easy to glue to the surface of your paddle and will take a variety of Diamond pastes or sprays. I prefer the sprays but make sure you shake well before using. If you have to buy every thing the cost of the paddle should be under $10. Tower Hobbies is a good place to get balsa. If you are going to make one you might as well make 2 or three.

bj

I went to my local leather shop and got a 3"x11" strip for a few bucks, mounted it on some wood, and viola! Paddle strop.
I hear balsa works great, but think about this - if you ever drop the balsa or accidentally knock it on any surface, it will no longer be flat.

So for chromium oxide powder, I should be OK with a good piece of leather (smooth, no wrinkles, creases, etc.) mounted on a wood backing, right?

I'm planning on making myself something similar in the coming months. I need a project to keep me occupied during the school holidays. I'm planning on using a length of dressed timber with a sheet of balsa wood glued to one side. I'm hoping to make at least two for different grades of strop paste. Once I get started I'll take some photos and let you know how it goes.

Originally Posted by a-cut-above

So for chromium oxide powder, I should be OK with a good piece of leather (smooth, no wrinkles, creases, etc.) mounted on a wood backing, right?

Yep!
You can use liquid or dry chromium oxide on a flat piece of leather (I think horsehide works well), then epoxy it to the wood.