Thread: Strop Material

Hello...I posted this earlier but think it may have been overlooked because of where it was. The question would be...

Traveling with a leather strop can be a chore. Yes, I know there are strops built especially for rolling up and sticking in a kit but my query would be is such a thing REALLY necessary? Can a razor be stropped effectively on a strip something other than leather (linen, fine and-or coarse cotton weave fabric) or something similar and still maintain an effective edge for a week or so while on the road? Preferably something without CrOx or sprays/pastes as I just don't like them. Thanks in advance for any information......

I'm not sure really, never found a strop to be that much trouble to carry. Maybe a piece of denim or a small hone???

Old pair of jeans will work fine, you can have a bit of fun making one too.

What is the issue with traveling with a leather strop? Is it the size?

Size in a way, as well as convenience...I know leather strops should not be stored rolled up for any period of time and my travel bags are pretty compact, not conducive to accomodating a laid out (or somewhat curved) strop inside. Also, often I travel by motorcycle and believe me, a strop and Harley saddlebag do not interface all that well.

Plus, I'm trying to accomplish this on the bargain side. Don't want to pony up $$$ for a kangaroo strop.

If I was in your situation I would still consider a small bench strop, there are barber hones with leather strop backing that are 7" approx, so why not a 7" or 8" custom leather bench strop?
If the leather was thin & approx. 12" I would consider rolling it anyway,,, it would be unrolled when not in the bags anyway.

Originally Posted by Phoenix51

Size in a way, as well as convenience...I know leather strops should not be stored rolled up for any period of time and my travel bags are pretty compact, not conducive to accomodating a laid out (or somewhat curved) strop inside. Also, often I travel by motorcycle and believe me, a strop and Harley saddlebag do not interface all that well.

Plus, I'm trying to accomplish this on the bargain side. Don't want to pony up $$$ for a kangaroo strop.

Maybe you can just strop on the saddle bags!

If you are brave and have a very steady hand, the side of your palm will work quite well. YMMV

Also, if you solve the hanging strop question carry some zip ties to attach the strop to the towel rack in the motel bath.

Dave

Originally Posted by rolodave

If you are brave and have a very steady hand, the side of your palm will work quite well. YMMV

Also, if you solve the hanging strop question carry some zip ties to attach the strop to the towel rack in the motel bath.

Dave

Sounds kinky

Yes.

Having recently spent a couple of weeks camping, I stropped on my jeans before shaving and it was fine. You could try taking an old pair of jeans and making a denim strop. I use a denim strop regularly and it works fine although I'd have concerns about whether it would have trouble staying flat after being repeatedly rolled up (I suppose it wouldn't be hard to iron it flat or hold it under a hairdrier when it gets crinkly).

In all honesty though, when I see a Harley it usually has so much leather paraphernalia stuck to it or worn by the rider, that there must be endless leather surfaces to strop on.