Thread: Strop backing materials, pros and cons of each?

I have been trying to read up on this but I am not seeing the info I am after. I have been SR shaving for about 6 months. I bought a table top strop from gssixgun when I first started out. I have been thinking of getting a new hanging strop, but then I saw the roo leather on ebay and started thinking about building a strop. My mother has all of the leather working tools I would need so I should be good to go there. I was going to get a few pieces of leather so I had an extra one incase I damage one. I would also like to make one for my father.

Anyway, my question is about all of the different types of backing material, linen, canvas, heavy cloth. What are the pros and cons of each of the different types out there? And where would one go to find the correct material for a homemade strop? I have read of people using too light of material and it ripping, or having the edges fray due to wrong types. I would like to try to avoid this if possible, learn from others mistakes. Like I said earlier, I am not able to find the info I am after, so I come to you asking.

Michael

I too am very curious about this topic. I have the matched webbing from SRD and honestly, I like it and feel it does a good job polishing off the razor after a shave and keeping it in great shaving shape but.... the one thing I absolutely do NOT like is the sound it makes! It's so loud and just annoys me. I'm looking at different materials now as well to get rid of that noise! Other than that, I do not know anything much about the materials and benefits of each one and look forward to getting some info from this thread as well

They all do the same thing. The difference is preference.

Where does one find the material for a home made strop? If one were to go into a fabric store could you find most of the options there?

You want canvas at the fabric store.

SRD sells all their leathers and fabrics individually you know.

I'd like to try a new canvas, but only have their nylon at this point. (and old canvas/linen on the antiques)

Originally Posted by kwlfca

They all do the same thing. The difference is preference.

As is soooo many things in this hobby but that's what I think makes it fun. Sampling it all to find out.

I have given the subject a little thought and have been concerned with the edges of canvas fabric fraying.
Also I found that there are big differences in quality of canvas.
One of the biggest issues for tentmaking is the threads per inch of the weave. A ten ounce canvas with a fine weave is much superior to a twelve ounce with a coarse weave.
You can hold it up to a light and see though the tiny holes in a coarse weave but will not be able to do that with a nice tightley woven fabric.
I thought I would want the tighter weave for a strop, and a tent fabric too.
I thought maybe folding canvas into thirds and then iron the material so that the folds would remain intact until It was glued.
The finished strop would be three layers thick, with the bottom layer stopping about 1/8" from the edge.
The three layers would offer a stiffer strop and maybe have less of a tendency to round off an edge.
Spray adhesive would be my first choice for holding it together.
All this never got beyond the brainstorm as I bought some webbing in a couple different colors and texture and they seem to be working just fine.
I am not sure if they are nylon or polyester and maybe I have one of both, but they don't fray on the edges and you can select from different textures, thickness, and stiffness of fabric.
A good tent and tarp builder should have a large selection for you to choose from. They will also have D rings and be able to sew them for you if need be.