Thread: leather substitute???

i was just mulling this idea around in my head. most strops are made out of leather and i understand why, it has worked great for hundreds of years. but what about a proper strop made out of a synthetic material? maybe some type of rubber or synthetic leather?

being im a newspaper printer, i was thinking about using an offset printing blanket. here's an idea of what it looks like (the blue top layer is rubber):

The bottom of it Might work as a linen component...I don't know about stropping on rubber though. I know Tony Miller makes synthetic strops but not sure exactly what he uses but I'm sure it has a leather type feel. I guess you could always test it out and let us know how it goes

I have been on travel before and forgot to pack my strop. In a pinch newspaper works. Just do not use glossy newspaper adds. You would not want to use that as a primary strop though. You could try something like pleather. It has a very leather like feel and look, it may work but have never tried it and doubt I ever will.

Probably work fine. We used to use rubber from tires in the poor days.

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

Probably work fine. We used to use rubber from tires in the poor days.

Don' leave us hanging, man!

How?

i have a bunch of offset printing blanket material. i will go to a local wood shop to have them cut me a bunch of 3"x12" 3/4" MDF bases.

The pic your showing would make a great linen component....

Hey,
I've been also thinking recently about strop substitutes, I am a newbie but as far as understand a strop straighten the micro edge and refines it ever so slightly, but makes a big difference to your shave. i was wondering if a perfectly flat, hard service would be used in the same manor, like marble or glass?

Originally Posted by 111Nathaniel

i was wondering if a perfectly flat, hard service would be used in the same manor, like marble or glass?

i've never stropped on glass or marble/granite before, but i would assume there is a chance it would counter productive especially with marble or granite. all three of those materials are harder than the steel you would be stropping on it. there's only one way to find out, test your idea and report your results.

Originally Posted by zib

The pic your showing would make a great linen component....

i have enough material to make bench/hanging strops using either side. im going to the cabinet shop tomorrow to have the MDF cut. i should have all the strops built buy wednesday night.