Thread: Question re: leather for homemade / DIY strop

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