Thread: Question re: leather for homemade / DIY strop

Myself, I'll probably make a paddle type strop, attaching it to 1/4 board and a hanging strop, using rings.

Again, thank you gentlemen
SB

Originally Posted by MickR

I have no idea why you blokes would be able to obtain 'roo hide at a cheaper price than us here in the land of Skippies though . I don't recall the new prices offhand, but the price here, for a first grade hide, before the price increase, was AU$145 per sq metre (3 ft sq). We must be taxing ourselves stupid over here (Nothing surprising about that!).


Mick

Its not as expensive as you think...slight arithmetic error on your part 1 square meter is 9+ sq ft.

Originally Posted by Splashone

Its not as expensive as you think...slight arithmetic error on your part 1 square meter is 9+ sq ft.

10.764 to be exact

¼ inch MDF works well for paddles, 12 inches is plenty of area for a paddle. I like the ¼ inch thickness as they are easy to store, drill a ½ inch hole through one end and hang or stack in a drawer, I have several stored both ways.

Build in an uncovered section for a handle to hold or clamp to your bench. I leave an inch or so on each end and clamp the strop to a woodworking bench pinching the paddle between wooden dogs and end vice. A strip of rubber drawer liner work well for holding them to the bench also.

I find paddle stropping harder than a hanging strop for razors, it is just an awkward angle for me. Rarely do I use paddles, except for testing new compounds or substrates and for knives.

Being new to SR's, I understand that alotta folks recommend newbs to start with the paddle type. Last thing I want to.do is dull a razor with a bad form of stropping. No doubt I'll build a hanger as well.

Thanks Euclid,
SB

A m² is about 10 ft², not 3. So you're AU$14.50/ft². If I recall recent exchange rates, that would be order of US$18 - 20/ft².

I realize it's an old post, but worth mentioning.

I don't know if this is the right place for this. Let me know if not. I'll remove it. Anyone in Southeast Michigan know if a good leather shop to aquire strop making materials?

Originally Posted by JPickard

I don't know if this is the right place for this. Let me know if not. I'll remove it. Anyone in Southeast Michigan know if a good leather shop to aquire strop making materials?

Do you have a tandys leather outlet in your local?

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Do you have a tandys leather outlet in your local?

It's about 45 minutes away. May be my best option though. Thanks.