Thread: The Elusive Travel Strop

Yes, sorry it is a retractable strop. A nice supple piece of old shell leather that rolls up using a spring inside that silver case - you just pull the handle to pull out the strop. Someone told me once they were popular with the ladies of the time for stropping their razors?? Leg razors, presumably.

I think I have some pictures of it from a previous thread from a while back - let me go do a search....

Yes! here it is. This is the original condition of the leather - I've treated it since and it's come up nice. Though those nicks along the side are still there, they don't tend to interfere with stropping.



James.

James,
Thanks for the photo. I had heard of these strops, but never seen one. I couldn't figure out what it was. That is a great idea, though.

Yes Obie - I find it a very convenient travel strop. Fits in the toilet bag, hangs very easily and does a good job on the stropping too! They pop up occasionally - I'll keep my eye out for you.

James.

I recently purchased a smaller Tensio strop from this website: Strop-It "Tensio" Adjustable Loom Strop
I am still learning how to get the best out of it, but it seems to be a nice and practical travel strop. There is also even a smaller smaller version: ww.couteau-laguiole.com/en/catalogue-razor-paddle-strops-strop-it-126-126-8-0-0-0.html

Hope it helps!

AG

Originally Posted by AG69

I recently purchased a smaller Tensio strop from this website: Strop-It "Tensio" Adjustable Loom Strop
I am still learning how to get the best out of it, but it seems to be a nice and practical travel strop. There is also even a smaller smaller version: ww.couteau-laguiole.com/en/catalogue-razor-paddle-strops-strop-it-126-126-8-0-0-0.html

Hope it helps!

AG

I had my eye on the Tensio strop for a while. Not so much for travel, as I don't get to do much of that, but more for mobile honing. I like to hone wherever I can set up and searching for a place to hang the strop was a step I wanted to eliminate.

I opted for the Kanyama board strop Obie mentioned early in this post. Like Obie, I consider it.. okay. The size is nice though could be just an inch or two longer. Width is perfect. I really like using it in my palm as it tends to be a great aid in controlling pressure. I added a small leather lanyard at either end so I can hang it. For now, it works.

Obie,

I had Mr Neil Miller make me one - it has a 12" x 3" stropping surface, and is double side : one side is tallow tanned leather, the other latigo.

It has proven to be quite excellent in use

Have fun

Best regards

Russ

Hello Russ,

Thank you for the suggestion. Yes, that strop sounds ideal. In fact, I have Neil, Tolorf and Kevin at Hidestoart in mind to make my travel strop. Neil made me a shell cordovan hanging strop that was delicious. Tolorf also made me a strop that is sweet. I have seen Kevin's work and it is impressive. In the end, I may have to toss a coin to choose one name, because all are superb strop makers. Ah, my dear friend, there is much to be said about an artist soaring with his work.

I took a couple of inches off a standard length strop when there was some damage on the bottom couple of inches of leather. Bunched the holes for the D ring, and vollia... travel strop, and recycling material to boot.

Obie,

Here is my .02 worth along with a couple of ideas.

One of the biggest bangs for the buck in travel strops is SRD’s Kangaroo strop. This is a leather that will roll up & out very nice and doing so will not cause wrinkles. This is what I use when I travel and am space limited. This is because I can roll it up tight around a tube and not worry about it. To explain further I cut a slot in the tube and insert the connection hardware in the tube. I wrap the kangaroo around the tube and rubber band the handle down.

Another option is to simply go to a hobby shop and pick up 2 pieces of 1/4" balsa wood and rubber band you favorite short or long strop between them and pack and go. This is something I do also when I take a large duffel bag. Yes my handles and hardware do hang out the ends of the balsa sheath but my strop stays flat and protected.

Kevein,
Thanks for your thoughts. Early on I mentioned my dislike for the kangaroo. The balsa wood number sounds okay, too. But I already have the Kanayama board strop, and it does well for travel. I just prefer a hanging strop, even for travel. So I'll continue looking. Perhaps I'll give you my specifications and you can make my ideal travel strop. I am also considering Neil Miller, when he feels better, and Tolorf.
That's the trouble with having three great artisans in the community; it makes choosing difficult.
Stay well, my friend.