Real linen for strops

It has been mentioned before here that real linen has better abrasive qualities than cotton or hemp which are used nowadays for strops.
That is why I have been looking for a source. Hard to find as real linen is mainly used for luxury tablecloths and bathroom linens.

Bu I did come across this: http://www.woodedhamlet.com/beltings...inen_webs.html

The second one is described as 100% linen girth webbing available in 3" width.

I have sent them a fax for a small sample but got no reply. Does anyone know this place or even the product? Would it be any good?

I found this vendor also awhile back while searching for linen sources. Didn't try to contact them though. Looks promising.

Scott

That looks like the real oldschool thing... I would to try some of the linen and hemp webbing...

Nenad

Kees,
An interesting source. I have tried the cotton twill they offer but not purchased directly from them. It has the weight and feel of that Jemico uses. I think Tilly has a lightweight linen very similar. Not what I was after but nice anyway.

The real linen looks interesting but thin (and pricey). I'll see if I can get a sample or look at it as they are about 45 minutes from here in Gettysburg and less than 20 minutes from where my daughter lives.

Tony

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kees

It has been mentioned before here that real linen has better abrasive qualities than cotton or hemp which are used nowadays for strops.
Hard to find as real linen is mainly used for luxury tablecloths and bathroom linens.

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What are you talking about?? Go to any JoAnne Fabrics, they have pure 100% linen in many grades for many prices, and you can buy it by the yard, half yard, quarter yard, or a whole bolt to suit your needs. It comes in either 45" wide or 60" wide. Isn't this good enough?

Fred,
Kees means linen webbing not cloth. Yard goods could be used but will unravel unless the edges are sewn and then the stitching becomes an issue. real webbing is woven with sealed edges in various widths. Very likely most "linen" strops are really cotton and have been for a very long time. Maybe in the heyday the real stuff was used but now days it is simply a name that is used incorrectly.

Tony

I agree with Tony about the Linen and cotton terminology. I have been after some 3" webbing for a while now and couldn't find any for love nor money. Once I realised it was called webbing and not strapping there were tonnes of saddleries I could get it from. Most suppliers I spoke to say that linen and cotton webbing are the same thing and is just a name that is used incorrectly. I have ordered my webbing for my first two strops now (this morning actually) and have got a number of samples sent through of other webbing material too in different weaves.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kees

It has been mentioned before here that real linen has better abrasive qualities than cotton or hemp which are used nowadays for strops.
That is why I have been looking for a source. Hard to find as real linen is mainly used for luxury tablecloths and bathroom linens.

Bu I did come across this: http://www.woodedhamlet.com/beltings...inen_webs.html

The second one is described as 100% linen girth webbing available in 3" width.

I have sent them a fax for a small sample but got no reply. Does anyone know this place or even the product? Would it be any good?

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Yesterday I have been advised by Needle and Thread that their 3' real linen girth webbing is no longer available.

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Originally Posted by Bobbo

I agree with Tony about the Linen and cotton terminology. I have been after some 3" webbing for a while now and couldn't find any for love nor money. Once I realised it was called webbing and not strapping there were tonnes of saddleries I could get it from. Most suppliers I spoke to say that linen and cotton webbing are the same thing and is just a name that is used incorrectly. I have ordered my webbing for my first two strops now (this morning actually) and have got a number of samples sent through of other webbing material too in different weaves.

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Bobbo,

Have you been able to get hold of real linen webbing? I am still interested so if you would let me know how to get it I would be very grateful.

Not sure if it is real linen or just heavy cotton weave. I have a number of samples on the way to me (ordered this morning) I'll take a look at them and let you know if they are any good. Sent you a PM with the link.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bobbo

Not sure if it is real linen or just heavy cotton weave. I have a number of samples on the way to me (ordered this morning) I'll take a look at them and let you know if they are any good. Sent you a PM with the link.

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I found an interesting table on telling the difference between various fibers. It also covers the distinction between linen and cotton: http://www.rebeccablood.net/domestic...ent_tests.html


And here is another test: If you have access to a microscope, telling cotton and linen apart is quite easy. Pick a few fibres off a thread and place them under the microscope. Linen has smooth, straight fibres while cotton looks almost wooly. It's a bit like straight vs curly hair. I took this from: http://www.marquise.de/en/themes/howto/stoffkunde.shtml