Variable tension strop

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10-24-2009, 09:09 AM
Alchemist

Variable tension strop

One of my variable tension strops. If you are just getting started out - this is probably not the best choice for you, and you might want to consider "growing" into something like this over time. They do hold some key benefits as far as customized utility and comfort go. You can get them with as many interchangeable leather belts as you like for loading with variable abrasives, and you can control the amount of tension on the belt and thus control the amount of "drag".

These can pretty much be made in any width or length, although I would not recommend going overboard with the dimensions of the strop - it simply isn't very comfortable over a certain size. The one in the pictures is about 80 mm X 80 mm X 470 mm (not including the handle) and has it's very own customized tension regulating key :)

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...09_001_011.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...09_001_007.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...09_001_003.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...09_001_004.jpg
10-24-2009, 09:26 AM
ursus

Hah! I probably should pay more attention to the strop, but that wrench is stunner of a spanner! The strop looks excellent too. Very businesslike.

Also the middle razor looks wicked. Is that original or restored like that?
10-24-2009, 09:51 AM
Alchemist

Quote:

Originally Posted by ursus

Also the middle razor looks wicked. Is that original or restored like that?

It's original.
10-24-2009, 11:35 AM
ursus

Wow... Quite unusual. You certainly have to be careful with it around the sniffer, otherwise you'll end up with a nose piercing =).
10-24-2009, 02:14 PM
figaro

What kind of leather is the strop made of? Is there a choice?

Jerry
10-24-2009, 03:34 PM
Alchemist

This is Cow hide.
10-24-2009, 03:37 PM
0livia

Tslil this is just beautiful!
You're such a busy man.

Like the wrench too of course :)
10-24-2009, 04:12 PM
MisterLewisR

Nice looking strop, very neat. What a beautiful handle, too. On a side note, have you ever tried working the spine of a razor? If you can make a wrench look like that, I would think you could do it to a razor.

Bears a slight resemblance to this strop, though I don't think it's adjustable.
10-24-2009, 04:23 PM
Alchemist

Thanks. Yes, I do file work on spines from time to time. Regretfully, I have no images to show for these at this time - but will in the near future. :)
10-24-2009, 08:19 PM
JonnyO

I love it! Tool and strop! Well a strop is a tool, but you know what I mean! Are you selling these?
10-24-2009, 10:13 PM
Alchemist

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonnyO

Are you selling these?

I'm afraid I'm going to have to "plead the 5th" . For those who are not familiar with the term: In American criminal law, "taking the Fifth", also known as "pleading the Fifth" or "demanding the fifth", is the act of refusing to testify under oath in a court of law or any other tribunal (such as a Congressional committee - or in our case an internet forum) on the ground that the answers that would be given could be used as evidence against the witness to convict him or her of a criminal offense.
:w
10-25-2009, 03:46 AM
aragornelessar86

I had this idea about two days ago, and here you are with a post about having already done it. Rock on.
10-25-2009, 09:36 AM
Alchemist

I guess great minds think alike :)

But seriously - this is nothing new. I recall seeing barbers using these types of strops as a kid. they where smaller and thinner - but had the same principle. Nothing patentable about them at all.
10-25-2009, 09:51 AM
0livia

They still exist, Tslil!
The screws are set differently (you turn the handle to adjust tension)
Want to see details?
10-25-2009, 10:19 AM
JimR

Quote:

Originally Posted by 0livia

They still exist, Tslil!
The screws are set differently (you turn the handle to adjust tension)
Want to see details?

I have one--it's the German Revisor brand, and it is TINY.

Mastro Livi also makes one...
10-25-2009, 11:00 AM
Alchemist

Quote:

Originally Posted by 0livia

They still exist, Tslil!
The screws are set differently (you turn the handle to adjust tension)
Want to see details?

I sure do! Details R US :)
10-25-2009, 11:19 AM
0livia

ok, here it comes!
Not a brilliant foto but the cat occupies the light box so I can't redo.

http://www.olivia-seife.de/images/loomhardw.jpg

The thread is on the inside plate.
The one with the rounded corners above the handle
just has two holes for the pin heads of the rods
and in the middle a hole without thread for the screw.
The leather is clamped together on the head end.
10-26-2009, 04:21 AM
deusseteh

I am as always very impressed with your work.